Irvin J. Cotton, 85, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. Born on May 27, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Charles and Mildred Cotton.

Irvin earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati and went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a chemical engineer. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving honorably from October 7, 1964, until October 6, 1966.

A man of quiet curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, Irvin especially enjoyed reading, photography, astronomy, and birdwatching. He was a devoted communicant of St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

Above all, Irvin cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Theriault; his son, Edward Cotton; and his grandchildren, Justin, Connor, and Meghan, who brought him great joy.

In addition to his parents, Charles and Mildred Cotton, Irvin was preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie and Jerry Cotton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Rd., Portsmouth.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, 465 Brown's Ln., Middletown.

His family will remember him for his kindness, humility, wit, curiosity, devotion to those he loved, giving to those less fortunate, and the many quiet ways he enriched their lives.