Irwin Nepo

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Irwin Nepo passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025. He was 96. Irwin was the beloved husband of Hellaine Nepo, devoted father of Robert Nepo (Jennifer Nepo) and Neill Nepo (the late Nancy Nepo), the proud grandfather of Matthew Nepo, Sydney Nepo, Amanda Nepo, and Eve Nepo, dearest uncle to his nephews and nieces, and a cherished and loyal friend to many.

Irwin was born and raised in Bensonhurst in New York. Despite his Brooklyn background, he was a lifelong Yankee fan. After graduating from City College of New York with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Irwin began his career in engineering, solving complex problems for the New York Navy Yard, then at RCA (in NJ and then MA) before joining Amecom, Litton Industries in Maryland in 1973, where he remained until his retirement in 1994.

When he was 22, Irwin bought his first convertible (a 1951 Ford), and he drove a convertible ever since. In 1959, Irwin’s brother, Morris introduced him to Hellaine. Irwin was living in southern New Jersey and Hellaine was in Brooklyn. Irwin would drive up in his convertible on weekends, and the two of them would enjoy going to art museums, listening to live jazz in Greenwich Village, and dancing throughout the city. They were married on April 15, 1962 and moved to Boston. There, they planted some roots, made lifelong friends, and then started a family. In 1973 they settled in Potomac, Maryland, where they raised their 2 sons. They lived in the same house for the next 50 years.

Irwin will be remembered for his limitless love for family, his boundless knowledge and passion for history, and his generosity that he extended to all. Following his retirement, he volunteered in the Office of Science and Technology at the White House, served as Ombudsman for Long Term Care Facilities for Montgomery County, was a lay panel member for the Montgomery Attorney Grievance Commission, and for many years volunteered at the consumer assistance group, Call for Action. Irwin was known for his curiosity and passion for learning, which continued throughout his life. During his 32 years of retirement, he relished his many years of taking classes in literature, short stories, philosophy, and history. At the time of his passing, he was enrolled in 8 classes on subjects ranging from Broadway Musicals to Artificial Intelligence.

Known for never eating with his fingers, his skill at eating with a fork and knife on the most challenging foods was unmatched.

A funeral service honoring Irwin’s life will be held on Friday, October 17th at 12:30pm at Beth Israel Cemetery located at 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ. The family will gather for shiva at the home of Robert and Jennifer Nepo in Armonk, NY from 3:30 pm and again on October 18th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held in Rockville, MD at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Irwin’s memory to a charity of your choice.