Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
SALEM – William F. Irey, age 87, was reunited with his wife June 16, 2026, after a brief illness. Born March 5, 1939, in Salem to the late James and Dorothye (Hillard) Irey.
William was a life-long area resident. He was a Lieutenant with the Salem Fire Department for over 20 years, a member of the Salem Club, and Salem Community Center. He liked antique cars and slot machines. William was a great family man, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great great-grandfather.
His wife, Leah (Doyle) Irey, whom he married November 21, 1958, preceded him in death May 24, 2015.
He leaves behind his children, Robert (Shirley) Irey, Janet (Michael) Miller, Sherri Long, Michelle (Joe) Brown, Patti (Mike Mellinger) Irey; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild.
Besides his wife and parents, two brothers, James and Ronald Irey; two grandchildren, Shannon Miller and Joseph Brown Jr.; one great-grandson Alexander Brown also preceded him in death.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. July 4, 2026, at William’s home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view William's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William F. Irey, please visit our floral store.
Salem High School Alumni Association
330 E. State St., Salem OH 44460
Web: http://salemohioalumni.org/donate