Charles "Chuck" Preston Irwin

Charles “Chuck” P. Irwin, 73, of Sellersville, PA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 28th, 2025 after enduring complications from a stroke.

Born in Indianapolis, IN, Chuck was the son of the late Roland W. Irwin and the late Mary K. (Williams) Irwin. He was the son-in-law of the late John G. Roth and is survived by Frances (Sommerfeld) Roth, 96, of Baltimore, MD.

Chuck graduated from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School in 1969 and attended Butler University, where he studied music and broadcasting.

In the early 70s he launched his lifelong career of professional broadcasting at multiple radio stations across Indiana in Fort Wayne, Muncie and Indianapolis. He moved to Philadelphia in 1979 to take a job as News Director at WIBG. In subsequent years, he also worked at WCAU and WNAR in the suburban Philadelphia area.

In 1988 he started what would become a 32-year career at WNPV in Lansdale, PA where he served in various roles as News Director, Production Director, and staff announcer, but his favorite role and personal passion during those years was hosting his Sunday night Big Band show called “Echoes of an Era,” playing big band and swing music from the 30’s & 40’s. All of his 1,200+ radio shows are archived & preserved online at “Echoes of an Era - WNPV Radio Museum” so future generations and those of us who loved him so much can hear Chuck’s voice, listen to his shows and enjoy the music he loved.

His passion for life extended well beyond his professional endeavors. In his free time, you could find Chuck tinkering in his garage, or in his shop listening to classical music while woodworking, or restoring antiques. Chuck also enjoyed reading, telling stories, cracking jokes, playing the piano, collecting records and old radios. Mostly he loved spending time in the “man cave” he built for himself above the garage, which he called “the world‘s largest dog house!”

During the summers nearly every Saturday you could see him riding his “customized” lawn tractor, meticulously mowing the front yard in an angled pattern to resemble Citizens Bank Park.

Early in his life, Chuck’s love for racing and cars was nurtured by his father. Together they attended every Indy 500 race until he moved to the East Coast. Whenever he was asked if he was a sports fan, his answer was always “only one day a year”…for the Indy 500 race on Memorial Day!

Chuck was happiest when listening to classical music, no matter what he was doing, every day, all day. He always had a special place in his heart for Cape May and spending time with Evie making plans for a new project, gardening, working on the pond, or just sitting on the side porch surrounded by her beautiful fairy garden. It was their favorite place of all to be together. Nearly every evening you could see them sitting there watching the sun go down, listening to music, having a beer, a glass of wine and reminiscing about the day.

Above all else, Chuck was devoted to his family and cherished the time spent with them. 

Chuck will be deeply missed by his wife, Evelyn “Evie” (nee Roth/Small), they were married for nearly 20 years; his children, Sarah (Tony) Fruzzetti and Mark (Sheli) Irwin; Evie’s children, Jeremiah (Kate) Small, Janna (Tony) Tygielski, Josh (Jillian) Small, Jordan (Jacquelean) Small, Jon (Lara) Small and 14 grandchildren: Nathan, Jacob, Jeremiah, Tony, Charlie, Izzy, Caroline, Katie, Lily, Liam, Olivia, Eleanor, Hazel & Cooper; along with his extended family, many close friends, and his adorable cats, Cappuccino and Mocha.

All are invited to visit with Chuck’s family on Saturday, March 22nd, from 1-3 pm located at Naugle Funeral Home 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA. A memorial service will begin at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s name to the American Diabetes Association.