Friends and family gathered today to bid farewell to state Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan after he lost his life to a prolonged illness earlier this week. Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Church in Newburgh, where loved ones spoke fondly of Kirwan, 78. They said he was a straight shooter with strong convictions. Kirwan, a Republican, represented the 100th Assembly District from 1995 to 2008 before losing his seat to Democrat Frank Skartados. He recaptured the seat in 2010. He was also a 28-year veteran of the New York State police force. State Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan dead at 78