It made me sad to learn that Irwin died in 2013. I had the great pleasure of knowing Irwin for several years in the mid to late 70s in CT. I later moved to CA and now, too bad for me, cannot touch bases. Irwin was always ready with a zinger and once proclaimed he remembered every joke he’d ever heard. I believed it then as I do now. Irwin was truly gifted, but his PH.D never hindered him from hands on tasks like installing a new timing belt on his Pinto. We had once attended a Bluegrass concert in New York State which both concert and company I’ll never forget. My late but heartfelt condolences to Irwin’s family and to the community, both of whom he loved greatly.

Ellen Gerstein Hollands and Marc Gerstein,

Words alone cannot express our feelings for the tragic death of your brother, Irwin.
Many, many years ago of fond memories growing up in Plymouth.

Our thoughts are with you and to your entire extended family.
Love, Arlene & Jim

IRWIN WAS MY FRIEND AND FELLOW CONTRA DANCER FOR MANY YEARS. WE HAD GREAT FUN TOGETHER DURING AND AFTER THE DANCES MANY YEARS AGO AND MOSTLY DURING THE DANCES THESE LAST FEW YEARS. I MET HIS WIFE DAVITA ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES AND I LIKE HER VERY MUCH. IRWIN HAD A WRY SENSE OF HUMOR AND A QUICK WIT. HE MADE UP MORE VERSES TO SOME OLD FOLKSONGS WE USED TO SING THAN THEY ORIGINALLY HAD. I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY, AS I KNOW THEY WILL ALL MISS HIM EVEN MORE THAN I DO.
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP NEVER DIES!
MAY WE ALL CELEBRATE A LIFE WELL LIVED AND LET IT INSPIRE US TO DO THE SAME IN OUT OWN WAY.
WITH LOVE & RESPECT,
BRUNO J. PRIMUS

On behalf of Kehilat Chaverim, we send our sympathy and condolences to the extended family and friends of Irwin Gerstein. Irwin joined our group in the late 1980's with his then wife, Shira, and their small children. He rejoined Kehilat Chaverim in recent years and became an active and caring member of our community action committee. Most recently, he shared with us his happiness as he was about to set out on a new life with Davita.

Irwin was a regular dancer at our Wethersfield contra dances. As someone else pointed out, he was known for dancing barefoot (no matter what time of year), and for his high-energy dancing. I had no idea he was 70 - I guess the dancing keeps you young. My best wishes and sympathy to the family - Rob L

IRWIN BLESSED US JUST BY BEING HIMSELF. I KNEW HIM THROUGH HIS CONTRA DANCING FRIENDS, BRUNO PRIMUS AND MAXINE FORGIONE. HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO HELP ME LEARN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTRA DANCING THAT HE EXCELLED AT DOING WITH THE ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM OF A MAN IN HIS 20'S! ALTHOUGH I ONLY MET HIS WIFE, DAVITA, ONCE AT A CONTRA DANCE IN STORRS, CT, I ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE IMMENSELY AND TRULY WISH THERE COULD HAVE BEEN MANY MORE.

DAVITA, I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO GET TO KNOW YOU BETTER WHEN YOU FEEL UP TO IT. PERHAPS OUR INTEREST IN JEWELRY MAKING AND OTHER THINGS WILL HELP AND HEAL. I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! LOVE & BLESSINGS, MARCIA

I will forever miss the most intelligent, witty, and all around good friend that any brother could ask for. There was a spot in my heart that has been filled for 70 years; and, it's now an open wound. Sent with sadness and love,
Marc

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Irwin. From all accounts, it appears he was a vibrant, loving person who left bits of laughter, warmth, and joie de vivre with everyone he met. May his wife, family, and friends be comforted by their many joyous memories of him.

I'll never forget the day I became friends with Irwin. He came to my desk and told me he had seen me at Greyox. Ever since then, Irwin and Lianna have been camping with our Greyfox group. Last summer we had the priveledge of meeting Davita. Irwin and Davita were so well matched. You could see the love in their eyes. Last friday, he stopped by my desk as he was leaving. He was so happy to be getting married and his eyes were so happy. I will miss him so much. He was a good person and a good friend.

I had the pleasure to work with a great person and professional. Always willing to listen and understand. My deepest thought to his family.

My husband and I were aboard the boat in the Bahamas when Mr.Gerstein passed. We have said many prayers for Davita and their family. We pray they have found comfort and peace in God's hands.

Irwin, you and Davita were made for each other, we saw it the minute we met you and watched you together...you were so happy together...We all loved you and enjoyed being with you so much...We enjoyed the stories your family told about you, and the funny jokes you told, even the bad ones. You will be missed and always remembered with love and a smile.
With Love,
Shelley, Marshall, Ilyssa and Ben

Very sorry for your loss. Irwin was a great friend. No matter how stressful the job got, he could always see the humor in the situation. He is missed.

I will always remember the assistance that Irwin gave me while working in the software quality department at Hamilton Sundstrand. Also, I remember the last time I saw him at a hockey game at the Hartford Civic Center, and how he seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. My condolences to his entire family on their loss.

He will definitely be missed by everyone including myself. I had the pleasure of working with him for several years before moving over to Pratt & Whitney. The only consolation of saying goodbye to someone you had the pleasure to work with is the glimmer of hope that someday after that goodbye there will be another hello.

I have worked with Irwin for twenty-five years. Many people dread dealing with quality, because their job is to ensure that all steps are complete before a product is shipped. I have never felt that way with Irwin. He was always there to help us along, and even stepped beyond his job duties many times when we were understaffed to do whatever was needed. Besides his cheerful and helpful nature, I will forever miss his sense of humor. Many times I would send an email or make a comment in meetings, and you never knew what his response would be - somehow he would always fit a quirky comment in there that showed his offbeat sense of humor. Irwin was both loved and respected by many of us at Hamilton, and my prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

Irwin was a pleasure to know and to work with. We recently had our Holiday buffet at work and he made a special trip to my desk to make sure I got my Lox (with lots of Bermuda onions) before they were all gone. I mentioned one time that he brought in my favorite dish of all dishes and he always remembered this. He was one who listened, remembered and cared. When I explained my sorrow of his passing to my children, I said that a good man that I worked with that was perhaps just a few years older than me passed away but when I saw that Irwin was 70 years old I was flabbergasted. His outlook and attitude was that of a much younger man. Irwin and his families will be in my prayers.

Davita, so sorry for your loss. I remember the email you sent Pesach two years ago in which you described Irwin and your happiness. All of us Coney Island kids have you in our thoughts and prayers. Ross

Dear Davita:
So saddened to learn about the passing of your beloved husband. There are of course no words to ease your pain. The picture and description of his life gave a glimpse into what made him so special. The one-of-a-kind man I would have loved to meet. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
I will include him when reciting Kaddish as I often lead minyan at my shul.

Irwin’s desk at work was moved next to mine a few months ago and in the short time I had to get to know him, I found him to be very interesting, intelligent, and witty. It was very sad to see his desk empty after hearing of his passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Dear Davita, We are all so terribly sorry to hear this news and extend our heartfelt condolences to you and to the rest of Irwin’s family. May you find peace in the days ahead. Jim

Davita and all Irwin's family, Merle and Arielle join me in sending condolences - we share in your sorrow. May the love you had from him continue to bless you and may you receive divine comfort in your mourning. -Rav Jeremy

Dear Davita, We are thinking so very much of you right now, and our hearts ache for you. We will be at the service today, and can hopefully give you a hug now. But know that in all of the days that follow we are your friends and that we will do anything we can as you journey out into a time of healing. Much love, Barb and Ernie

Alan,Terri,Marc,Ellen and Families,

May your warm memories sustain you at this sad time.

Sincerely,

Judith and Ronald Rosenthal

Our deepest condolences. You are all in our hearts and thoughts.

Marysol and Margaret

To: Terri Gerstein and Family

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. I did not know Irwin personally, but he sounds like a very special person and someone who has put his mark on this world.

With My deepest sympathy

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this terrible time.

Jonathan and I join in conveying our sincere condolences to Davita and to Irwin's entire family. We had just started to get to know Irwin at our Friday night services at Beth El Congregation in Storrs, but already valued him as a new friend and a sweet, kind person. We are just so sorry. Davita, our thoughts are with you.
Janis Franklin and Jonathan Hufstader

We were introduced to Irwin and his lovely family at the wedding of his sister Ellen, and my father, Richard. We are truly saddened by his loss and send our condolences to all the family

sincerely
Elizabeth Hollands Coyne and Family

Sharing your sorrow. So confusing that beginnings & endings sometimes come in one package. Much love going your way.

carol gerjuoy, a Kehilat member

Please accept my sincere condolences.