he was finally invited to become an honored member

[keannu]

When you invite someone to do something like this not to places, doesn't it mean "to recommend or ask" not actually inviting to a place? What does this "invite" mean? "request" or "invite to a physical location" or both?

ex) Although the scientific community largely ignored him during much of his life, he was finally invited to become an honored member of the American Meteorological Society in 1920. From that time on, his photographs were requested by academic institutions worldwide. In 1931, he published a book, Snow Crystals, to show the world his life's work. Ironically, he died of penmonia.
***He is a renowned snowflake scientist, Bentley.

[SoothingDave]

Why is his death from pneumonia ironic?

[keannu]

Why is his death from pneumonia ironic?

Sorry, My question is regarding "invited" not pneumonia.

[SoothingDave]

It is a request that he join their society. It has nothing to do with going to any place.