Irwin Pensack, 98, passed away on June 23, 2025, at Maple Ridge Memory Care in Essex, Vt. Up until the time of his passing, his daughter, Debbie, was by his side, accompanied by family friend Edith. Irwin was born in Newark, N.J., on July 8, 1926. He married Judith Fischler on April 11, 1954. They lived in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., and moved to Hartsdale, then Scarsdale, N.Y., as their family grew. Irwin and Judy settled in Florida to enjoy a more relaxing lifestyle but moved back up north to Vermont to be close to family as Irwin’s battle with dementia progressed.
Irwin was a proud, patriotic citizen who believed in democracy and preserving civil rights for people of all religions, races and genders. When he was just 17, Irwin enlisted in the army and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps until he was honorably discharged. He attended Clarkson University, New York University and Paterson College, achieving a master’s degree in audiology. Throughout his career as an audiologist, Irwin was able to bring the gift of hearing to countless men, women and children, and he was continually astounded at the hardships endured by the hard of hearing.
Irwin was the life of the party. He loved a good joke, and he was always up for an adventure, enthusiastically jumping into any escapade. He was a perpetual student, taking wind-surfing lessons, tennis and ski lessons, and even music lessons well into his eighties. He had a warm smile for everyone he encountered, whether it was a new acquaintance, an old friend or a family member. He was a kind and approachable man, always ready to listen and try to help plot a path to resolve a problem or offer life guidance.
Irwin is survived by his son Lawrence M. Pensack and his wife, Meredith Pensack, of Newton, Mass.; his daughter, Deborah P. Volk, and her husband, Paul S. Volk, of Richmond, Vt.; and his son Brian D. Pensack and his wife, Sonia Robles, of Petaluma, Calif. Irwin is survived by his three cherished grandchildren, Amanda Pensack, Danielle Pensack and Ian Volk, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins, all of whom he enjoyed spending time with and loved deeply. Irwin was a down-to-earth, self-effacing man who was incredulous that people loved him so greatly. Shows of affection would often move him to tears. We will miss him dearly.
The family extends a very special thanks to Edith Wilkerson, who made Irwin’s life in Vermont very special.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, noon, at Temple Sinai Vermont at 500 Swift Street in South Burlington, Vt., followed by a small luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union or the UJA Federation New York.
For out-of-towners, here is a Zoom link to the service: templesinaivt-org.zoom.us/j/85629833828, Meeting ID 856 2983 3828.
This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2025.