The family of late Caribbean academic, Montserratan-born Dr. George Irish, on Feb. 20 announced his funeral arrangements.
Dr. Irish’s widow, Joy, told Caribbean Life that a wake was held on Feb. 28, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, Inc., 4035 Bronxwood Ave., Bronx.
The next day, Mrs. Irish said viewing and tributes will take place from 4 pm to 7 pm at Bethel Gospel Assembly, 2-26 E. 120th Street, in Manhattan.
She said a “Celebration of Life Service” will immediately follow the viewing and tributes at Bethel Gospel Assembly.
Dr. Irish’s body will be interred on the morning of March 2. The family did not disclose where this will take place.
Dr. Irish passed away on Feb. 12 after he was hospitalized since Jan. 8, Mrs. Irish told Caribbean Life. She did not disclose the name of the hospital nor the cause of death.
Medgar Evers College said Dr. Irish officially retired from the institution in August 2018, with the title Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Irish joined Medgar Evers College on Sept. 1, 1993, as a professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Science and the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
He was Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Education (now the School of Liberal Arts) from April 2014 to August 2016.
The school responded to the news of Dr. Irish’s death.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share word of the passing of our friend, and colleague, Dr. George Irish,” said Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (CUNY), in a statement.
Additionally, he was the Executive Director of the Caribbean Research Center (CRC) at Medgar Evers College, from September 1989 until January 2018, and Director of International Programs, from 2002 to 2007.
The Caribbean Research Center on Feb. 13 described Dr. Irish as “a scholar and statesman,” stating that his penchant for social activism and passion for education “will continue to resonate on global, social, cultural and intellectual levels.
“The Caribbean Research Center cherishes his contributions, and will perpetuate his legacy through its research, programs, publications and events,” the statement said.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, but asked that donations be made to the LIDC Foundation, Inc., in care of Dr. Ruth Allen, in Brades, Montserrat.
