Irwin Potkewitz ’60

Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Irwin graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York, where he was editor of The Spectator and active on the rifle team. At Princeton, he majored in biology, worked in the biology department, and was a member of Wilson Lodge. He graduated from New York University Medical School in 1964, interned at Kings County Hospital, and did his residency in child and adult psychiatry at Hillside Hospital in New York City.

Irwin served three years as a major and psychiatrist in the Air Force in several European countries, finally in Ankara, Turkey. Beyond his work there he enjoyed skiing, photography, and two new interests, archeology and collecting oriental rugs.

Returning home in 1971, Irwin established his psychiatry practice in Manhattan. He also met and soon married Joan Simon, a corporate attorney. They moved to Stamford, Conn., in 1973, where she was employed, and Irwin relocated his practice. Three children, extensive travel, and demanding careers filled their time. He practiced there until his retirement to Dataw Island, S.C.

Irwin died May 12, 2024, of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by Joan and their three children, to all of whom we send our condolences.