Col. Robert J. Irzyk, US Air Force Retired, 81, a resident of Dunstable passed away on November 6th at his home surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Catherine Olney Irzyk with whom he shared 60 years of loving marriage.

Born in Cleveland Ohio, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ora (Lefebvre) Irzyk.

Bob was in the Air Force 27 years as a Maintenance Officer and retired as Inspector General. He earned his Master's Degree in Puerto Rico from Mayaguez University. After his retirement from the military he was employed by the University of Pacific as chief of security. In life he was passionate about people, animals, boating and restoring old jaguars. He and his wife spent summers on their boat exploring the waters of British Columbia and Alaska. They enjoyed traveling and when in Dunstable you could find him tinkering in his barn, tending his garden, or cooking something fantastic to eat.

He had a fast wit, curious mind, a twinkle in his eye and open arms for everything in life. He lived life, loved deeply and will be truly missed.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter Sue, brother and sister in-law Steve and Po; his niece Diane and her children Courtney, Patrick and Thomas; his niece Janet and her wife Susan; Ari and Tara whom he loved as if they were his grandchildren; and many cousins. He was the father of the late Robert O. Irzyk who passed away earlier this year. And last but not least, his rescue dog Simba. All of which miss him.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service to be held on November 25th at 2PM at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Bob can be made to Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854 or Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.