William Francis Irwin, 77, of Peabody, peacefully passed away on Wednesday December 7 at his home. Born in Ebbw Vale Wales, he was the son of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Irwin.

He was raised and educated in Peabody and a 1963 graduate of Peabody High School where he was the MVP of the Baseball Team. He continued his education at Community College-Indian Hills in Iowa and then at the University of New Mexico, where he continued playing on a baseball scholarship, receiving a degree in Physical Education and Biology.

Bill joined the Army Reserve in 1966 scoring highest in his class for Basic Training. He was honorably discharged in 1971. Bill was employed with the United States Postal Service and was a letter carrier on the North Shore for over 23 years before retiring in 2006.

He was an avid sports fan and followed the Boston area teams in every season as well as horse racing. He traveled to England, Wales, Australia, California and up & down the East Coast following Pro Golf Tournaments, always returning to his hometown. In his later years he traded his baseball glove for a Big Bertha. Once he was of age, he enjoyed playing in the Men’s Senior League at The Meadow Golf Course in Peabody. Bill was the Founding Member of “The Breakfast Club,” where 21 members of the Class of ’63 meet monthly, relive the good old days, discuss current events and share dreams for the future.

Bill is survived by many cousins in Massachusetts, Singapore, Australia and Wales. Services will be held in the spring of 2023.