Irvin was born on Dec. 27, 1935 in Lewistown, Pa., son of parents Howard and Eva. He was the third of what would be six boys, and is survived by one brother, Hubert Brought, married to Velma, in Wellsboro, Pa.
Raised in New Hope, Irv graduated from New Hope High School in 1954. In 1956 he joined the U.S. Army, spending 22 months in occupied Germany working with the Honest John rocket program and perfecting his bowling game. Upon discharge he was awarded a good conduct medal and returned to New Hope where he remained in the reserves until 1962.
On June 27, 1959 he married Joan Kilmer of New Hope at the New Hope United Methodist Church. They were married for 60 years before Joan’s death. Surviving family members include son Tim Brought, wife Janet, and grandchildren Kevin and Kristin, all of Celebration, Fla. Also daughter Kimberly Slack, and grandchildren Michael, Ashley and Laura, all in Lakeland and central Florida.
Irvin worked for a few manufacturing companies in central Bucks County and later became a sergeant with the Plumstead Township Police Department. He is perhaps most well known as the owner/operator of the tsp Restaurant on Bridge Street in New Hope. He purchased the restaurant one day on a whim from the former owner and later told his wife what he had done. The tsp became a highly popular local hang out with all family members working in some capacity and Irv manning the grill for Ham-N-Egger sandwiches and great cheese steaks.
Throughout his time in New Hope, Irv was active in several local organizations including the Methodist Church. He was proud to be a Life Member of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company and proud of his memberships in the Edgar H Denson American Legion Post and the VFW.
In 2000 Irv moved to Celebration, Fla., where he enjoyed retirement and spending time with the family. He was 86 years old at his passing.
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