Irwin F. Williams

Irwin Fitzgerald Williams was born on July 22, 1947, in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He was the fourth of eight children of the late James and Ruby Williams. Irwin spent his formative years in the close-knit community of Hospital Road. He often reminisced about his joyful childhood and the warmth of his family home. He attended Intermediate High School and began his professional journey at SPCK Bookstore, where his diligence and charisma saw him rise quickly to the role of area relief manager requiring him to travel to various Caribbean islands. In 1969, Irwin embarked on a bold new chapter, migrating to Brooklyn, New York. He attended business school and launched a successful career starting as a bank teller and ending as a bond trader with E.F Hutton. In 1974, he married Joann Marks, his childhood sweetheart. Irwin was renowned for his exceptional cooking, a talent that made him the consummate host. Whether it was intimate gatherings or vibrant parties, he brought people together with his culinary skills and magnetic personality. His home was always open, and his infectious energy made every event unforgettable. He was super generous and kind. In 1991, Irwin and his family relocated to Florida, where he embarked on several business ventures, beginning with a 1-hour photo business and culminating in the successful ownership of two restaurants. He spent 15 fulfilling years as an independent contractor at Xerox, serving as an instructor of office printers. Irwin pursued his passion for day trading, a hobby he avidly enjoyed until his passing. Irwin continued his tradition of hospitality, creating a warm and welcoming home with a Caribbean flair. Countless friends and family visited, leaving with cherished memories of lively gatherings filled with laughter, delicious meals, and even printed photographs—an enduring testament to his love of hosting. He also had a green thumb, cultivating thriving landscapes filled with shrubs, flowers and fruit trees that brought joy and bounty to those around him. In the last three years of his life, Irwin faced significant health challenges that profoundly shaped his final chapter. A series of small strokes led to vascular dementia and caused depression, gradually diminishing his vibrant spirit. Losing his sense of taste—a once-cherished connection to the world—was particularly difficult, as it meant he could no longer cook, a passion that brought him immense joy and comfort. Despite these hardships, Irwin remained surrounded by the love of his family and friends, who cherished his warmth and memories of his culinary creations. He passed away peacefully at his home leaving behind a legacy of resilience and love. Irwin is survived by his wife Joann; his daughters Shelley and Roxanne, son-in-law Frank; his son Stephen, daughter-in-law Kara; his grandchildren Jerrell, Cameron, Sophia, and Christian; his brothers Elton, sister-in-law Yolande and Kenrick; his sisters Donna and Erica; sister-in-law Maureen, his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Deceased siblings are sisters Raeline, Agnes and June. His warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit touched everyone he met, leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. Irwin will be deeply missed.