David Patrick Kirwan, 77, of Marathon, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on July
2, 2025.
Born in an Air Force family, David was the eldest of three children and grew up with a
deep sense of service and leadership. He attended Our Lady of Providence High
School in Clarksville, Indiana, where he was a standout student, senior class president,
and developed a love for music and theater. It was during his high school years that he
met his future wife, Mary Lloyd Struck, in 1963. They married in 1969, beginning a
partnership that would last for over 56 years.
David graduated from Florida State University with a BA in History in 1969 and went on
to earn his Juris Doctor (JD) from FSU Law School in 1972. He devoted much of his
professional life to public service, beginning his career as a public defender, before
transitioning into private practice. David's exemplary career in law led to his
appointment as County Court Judge in 1978, followed by his service as a Circuit Court
Judge from 1982 to 1988. After stepping down from the bench, he returned to private
practice, focusing on real estate law and mediation until his retirement from the Florida
Bar in 2024.
Beyond his legal career, David was a passionate advocate for his community in the
Florida Keys. He played an instrumental role in the early years of the Seven Mile Bridge
Run and was a founding member of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, helping to
build homes for those in need. He also worked behind the scenes on many other local
causes and initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the community he loved.
David and Mary shared a deep love for adventure and spent many wonderful years
traveling together. They explored Europe, Ireland, and Costa Rica, and journeyed
across the United States in their mini travel home, discovering new places and always
returning to Marathon each winter to enjoy time with family and friends. David's love for
music was evident in his playing the piano and ukulele, both of which brought joy to his
home and community. More than anything, David cherished the moments shared with
his children and grandchildren, creating treasured memories that will live on in their
hearts.
David is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Kirwan; his children, Sean
Kirwan and wife Heather, and Katie Kirwan; and his beloved grandchildren, Tommy and
Grace Kirwan. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Kirwan and partner Carolyn
of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and his sister, Teresa Kirwan Ide and husband William of
Jackson, Tennessee.
David was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on July 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at San Pablo Catholic Church in
Marathon, Florida, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. The family
welcomes all who wish to pay their respects and celebrate David's life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to KAIR, 3010 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33030, a charity that was close to David's heart and dedicated to
providing support to families in need.
David's legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his dedication to his
profession, his family, and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew
him.