John Joseph Davidson

1933 - 2013

Davidson, John Joseph

John Joseph Davidson, 79, of Congers, NY, passed away on June 16, 2013. John was a devoted, loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and son. He was fiercely dedicated to the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the United States Army. He was a passionate sports fan, fervently supporting his Mets, NY Giants and Knicks until his final days.

John was born in Presbyterian Hospital, Manhattan on October 27, 1933 during the height of the great depression. Nevertheless his can do spirit propelled him to the pursuit of education which would be one of many lifelong passions. He graduated from Sacred Heart Grammar School in the Bronx in 1947, Cathedral Prep in Manhattan in 1951, and Manhattan College in 1955.

In July 1956, he was drafted into the US Army where he became a paratrooper, thus starting a lifelong commitment to military service. At the completion of his active duty enlisted service, John joined the US Army Reserve as a 2nd Lieutenant ultimately retiring as a Brigadier General.

After he left the Army, ever tenacious (and sleep-deprived), John worked the midnight shift on the subway, taught school in the afternoon, and obtained an MA in English at Fordham University. Also in 1960, which John cited as his "banner year," John met the love of his life, Kathleen Patricia McNally whom he married in August 1961.

John and Pat's proudest accomplishment was bringing their four children into the world - Kathy Patricia, Siobhan Mary, John Joseph III, and Joseph Dignam Davidson.

John was a life-long educator, always teaching (whether you liked it or not!) inside and outside of the classroom. John served as an English teacher and Assistant Principal dedicating his live to education for over forty years. He most recently served as Assistant Principal of Clarkstown High School North which his four children attended.

Always the consummate student (and multi-tasker), while pursuing his career in education, John earned his PhD in administration at St. John's University in 1974 and graduated from Pace University Law School in 1982. Since his retirement from education, he practiced law and most recently worked for the Town of Clarkstown.

John is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Pat. He is survived by his children, Kathy Lambret, Siobhan Barra, John J. Davidson III, and Colonel Joseph Dignam Davidson and daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Davidson and Erin Hennessy Davidson. He was a loving grandfather to Patrick Lambret, Alexander Lambret, Regis Lambret, Brian Lambret, Joshua Barra, Robert Barra and the apple of John's eye (and the families') Christianna Davidson. John was a loving brother to Regina Anastasia, Dolores Bennett and her husband James, and brother-in-law to Veronica McNally, Ann Dagher, Thomas McNally and his wife Ann, and Bernadette Puccalla.

Visitation will be held at Higgins Funeral Home, 113 Lake Road East, Congers, NY, today from 7-9pm and Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9pm for family and friends. A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Thursday, 10am, at St. Paul's Church, 82 Lake Road West, Congers NY, followed by interment at Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's honor to Catholic Charities.

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.

113 Lake Road East

Congers, NY 10920

www.mjhigginscongers.com