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Denis McNamara Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Denis McNamara
Carol Fleming
August 25, 2025
Remembering Denis this day. Such brings really a smile in the heart as I recall some of the great stories of his bigger than life times. What a special friend to have had in this life.
Mary O'Meara
May 23, 2025
While recently sorting through my late husband, Jim O´Meara´s personal effects I came across several letters from our friend, Denis McNamara. I am reminded how this larger than life character would bring laughter and happiness to any occasion. I remember many times spent in his delightful company here in his ancestorial home of Goleen in West Cork, Ireland. Denis was a dear friend of both my husband, Jim and my brother-in-law, Denis (Denny) and now all three are passed RIP. Jim, Denis Mac and myself shared many tales of `off the beaten track,´ experiences of Florida (Denis´ latter years home) especially Tin City, Naples, The Corkscrew Swamp and the incredibly potholed and alligatored, Everglades Loop Road. I was recalling Denis again to neighbours of his in Goleen just yesterday (23/05/2025) and realised they were also neighbours (though not as close) in Massachusetts. May all three ye, Denis, Jim and Denny, rest in peace and I hope you are enjoying the best of times together again.
Cathy Collins
August 25, 2024
Hard to believe a year has passed. My connection was through his mom. His mom and my dad Francis P. Goggin were cousins and they were close growing up. He would spend Summers in Uxbridge. Johanna was his Godmother. I met the sisters at Louise Goggin' s party for Fr. Mullen and Jim and I had invited them to our Wedding ( Cocke n Kettle) and a few times at Goggin Family reunions . I understood why my dad loved them so much such great people, so warm and full of love. Wish I could have known the whole family. I believe I met Jack at one of the reunions and also Mary Willy! Life comes full circle starting last October my daughter - in-law Jennifer Collins started working in the Uxbridge School special Ed Dept . and next Fall our grandson, Harrison Collins will be starting pre-school in Uxbridge. It feels special to me having them in Uxbridge. The family is never far from my thoughts especially when I run across a saved one of Kathleen's messages on the Burke Haven stationary . Sorry never got to meet Denis, but I always heard he was such a nice guy who was full of fun and personality. RIP Denis and the rest of the family be well. Cathy Goggin Collins
Carol Fleming
August 25, 2023
What a delight to simply remember Denis today with likely many of his friends and family. I reread some letters and postcards and viewed some photos over a near 20 years. He didn't always put a date on letters.... timeless!
The attached photo is near the first year (either 1978 or 1979) with the Cape Cod National Seashore. He is holding the law enforcement commission certificate.
"People are everything to me-I REALLY value friendship. Friends are the only thing that sustain me---(and good food-I love great food-). [ Denis]
"Remember, we will never solve this crazy game so just get up every day--and laugh it off!" [Denis]
Cathy Goggin Collins
May 29, 2023
Never got a chance to meet Dennis, but we were distant cousins and I knew his mom and aunts pretty well all but Johanna was at my wedding in 1983 at the Cockn'Kettle. His Grandmother was my Dad's Godmother and Frank regaled us with stories how he would spend time in the Summers with his cousins in Uxbridge and get spoiled. If I have it right Johanna 's Mom was Margaret Goggin married to Patrick Connors. My paternal Grand Father was Thomas Joseph Goggin. So sorry to hear of Dennis' passing . Really terrific family !
Carol Fleming
June 14, 2011
My overwhelming condolences to the family of Denis. I had lost touch w/ Denis.We had touched base about 10 or more years back. I worked with Denis at Cape Cod N.S. as a fellow ranger. He was one of the truly blessed souls in life. He simply was the best. He brought his quick wit, laughter,and joy to each day. He was a good friend . He had sent me a photo when he got married. I was so happy for him . It is trully a shock to discover that he has passed and as shocked that he has lost his wife earlier.
Denny O'Meara
September 19, 2008
The tragic death of Denis McNamara has deeply saddened all those who knew him in Goleen. We can hardly believe that we will never meet with him again on earth.
Denis was one of my best friends, perhaps my very best friend. I have many good memories of Denis during his time here - some of which I would like to share with you, his other friends.
Denis loved Goleen and all its people. He loved a life of action spent outdoors. All these loves found expression in his fondness for long cycle trips along the narrow, winding, hilly roads around Mizen Head. It was my pleasure to cycle with him on many of these trips which always ended, by unspoken agreement, in a hard fought race for home. I'll never forget those outings together.
One of his dear friends was my aunt, Mai McCarthy,who for many years made allcomers welcome in her bar in Goleen village which I now own. Sadly Mai, in her old age, was aflicted by a severe stroke which, distressingly, deprived her of speech for ever more. Denis and I would cycle into the town of Schull - where Mai was being cared for in a nursing home. On fine days we would walk with her down to the pier and back. I remember saying to him on one occasion that it was so sad she could no longer talk with us. It would have been far better, I said, if she had been paralysed but remained able to speak. Then, I said, we could talk with her as we wheeled her along. Denis agreed and said, with fervour: "If that was how it was, I'd even carry her on my back!" That will for ever remind me of his kind, jovial and compassionate soul.
After a life of action and adventure, may he rest in peace.
Jim O'Meara
September 16, 2008
His many friends and relatives in and around Goleen, West Cork, Ireland, were deeplysaddened to learn of the tragic death of Denis McNamara and are coming to terms with the fact that they will never enjoy the pleasure of his company again. His visits to his ancestral home were keenly looked forward to and his kindness and wit were much appreciated by the many who knew him.
One of the last occasions when we enjoyed his company, and that of his gentle wife, Christine, whose untimely death we also mourn, was two years ago, on a sailing trip offshore to round the Fastnet Rock lighthouse. That beautiful day my wife, Mary, and I will never forget. His ebullience, his wit and his jokes, will remain with us as long as we live. Many years before that he was our guest at a family meal which he enlivened so much by his presence that we often talk about it.
He was "larger than life" as Fr. John O'Donovan said in his sermon in St. Patrick's Church, Goleen, when the bad news reached us. We all remember him in death.
Mary Charas-Healy
September 13, 2008
Dear Peter, Mary, and Jack,
My deepest, most heartfelt sympathies go out to you for the loss of our dear friend Denis. It was a stab to the heart for us all, truly shocking news. We will always keep him in a very special place in our hearts, and remember his stories and life's adventures. He's a truly remarkable person who I always looked upon as a loving, big brother.
Miss you dearly Denis and Christine.
Love,
Mary
Pat & Ron Ferreri
September 10, 2008
We were deeply saddened to learn of Denis' tragic death last month. Our heartfelt sympathies to all family members and prayers for Denis and all of you.
Catherine Foley
September 8, 2008
My Deepest Sympathy,
To The McNamara Family on the loss of their brother.
To The Willey Family on the loss of their uncle.
You are in my prayers.
Coley Foley
September 5, 2008
To McNamara/Willey Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time.
James Edwards
September 5, 2008
To Mary, Jack, & Peter,
Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of your brother, Denis.
When we read an article in the Boston Globe recently with his name and an age but with a Naples, Fla. dateline we were hopeful it was not the same family from Uxbridge until yesterday. We are certain that Denis is dancing with the angels along with his late wife, your parents, & Uncle Ed & Aunt Margie Dillon.
May they all "requiescant in pace."
Jim & Joe Edwards Jr. & Roberta Kettlewell
Paul Sullivan
September 4, 2008
Dear Mary, Jack and Peter,
Please accept my sincere condolences on behalf of my family on the loss of Denis. I remenber all of you from our days in Uxbridge and following Denis and Jack playing basketball at St John's. I know that the suddeness of Denis's death has created a large void in your lives and we will remenber all of you in our prayers.
Respectfully,
Paul Sullivan
Miriam Muir
September 2, 2008
Denis was a dear friend to my late husband and I. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the whole family.\
Mim Muir, Cape Cod. Ma.
Liz Grees
September 1, 2008
A quote by Denis as told to me by my and his close friend Lise, I remember fondly and deeply:
"Life doesn't get better than this."
from his Cape Cod days in the Roche cottage on the cliffs of Coast Guard Beach...National Seashore, Cape Cod!
Denis touched all our hearts...your seashore pals.
Wishing you an Irish Blessing..
Liz
John Healy
September 1, 2008
Denis will remain for me an inspiring force of nature.
We considered him a beloved member of my family in Cork, Ireland. And he brightened up our lives with his charm, wit and warmhearted affection.
My sincerere condolences to the McNamara family.
I know both he and his wife Christine are both together and at peace.
Sincerely,
John Healy
Gerry McNamara
August 31, 2008
I was stunned and saddened to hear of Denis' accident last week. My condolences go to the McNamara family and all the relatives & friends. I will remember the times with Denis at Burkehaven over the holidays playing basketball with all the cousins and riding around the back roads in Truro in his big Plymouth car and telling stories. He will be missed.
MaryBeth Alix
August 31, 2008
Denis' untimely death reminds us, yet again, how fragile life is. My heart and prayers go out to the McNamara Family.
Dad always enjoyed a visit from Denis. His life was full of adventure and we loved hearing of his latest exploits. He will be missed.
MaryBeth (Horan) Alix
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