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James McGillian Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James McGillian
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January 7, 2011
Leonard, another angel has been sent your way. Your beautiful wife, and best friend has now joined you and the boys. Sad day for us, but may you be happy and peaceful now
Love, Kathy Farmer Stranges
Tara McGillian
July 15, 2009
Hi Pop,
Well, its half way through the summer, and its been the hardest summer of all. I miss coming over every morning with the cousins and having toast and tea with you. It's never going to be the same. It's just been so hard not having you and Terrence here anymore, I miss you both everyday. And these past months especially because I just graduated from Saint Lukes, and I wish that you two could have been there.
I miss you Pop, and I will always remember you. I love you.
Love,
Tara
Pop and His Girls -- we'd fight over who could be closest to him!
June 22, 2009
Maureen McGillian Haley
June 22, 2009
Happy Father's Day to the Most Wonderful Father in the World!!
Pop, I have been dreading this day for a couple of weeks now and, as expected, it was very sad and depressing. We've had weather much like Ireland's dreary rain but, it was very befitting for the occasion. The sun tried to break through for a couple of hours today so I spent some time at the cemetery... it is very soothing to feel that I can somehow be close to you guys. You must be pulling some strings up there Pop, because just like at home in Glenside, your site at the cemetery is the greenest and most beautiful of all the sites there... Very Impressive!!
You know how I feel about you Pop because I talk to you all the time... Just know that a part of my heart still tears each day when I realize you are truly never coming back to us. I find comfort in knowing that you are keeping that party alive up in heaven engaging everyone with your smile, spirit and prescence. Please, Pop, continue to keep an eye on us all including your extended family who all still sorely miss you.
I'll finish off with some words from the song that Mark Flemming would always sing at our parties that I know you loved and I really love too... 'Of all the money that ever I spent, I've spent it in good company. And all the harm that ever I did, Alas it was to none but, me. And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I can't recall. So fill to me the parting glass, GoodNight and joy be with you all.'
WIth All My Love, I Miss You Pop. Love, Maureen xo
Mom and Pop 52 years together!! Forever Love!
June 22, 2009
Pop and his nephew John Conway 2005
June 22, 2009
Pop with One of his Favorite Grandaughters - Julia
June 22, 2009
Family Pic 2009 at Jen and Frank's wedding
June 22, 2009
Pop's Profile (handsome guy)
June 22, 2009
Pop and Maureen August 2009
June 22, 2009
June 21, 2009
Dear Dad,
Happy Father's Day to the BEST Father anyone could ever ask for! I love you and miss you so much.
Love,
Joan
Maureen McGillian Haley
March 21, 2009
Hey Pop -- Me again, Maureen. I wanted to write to you on St. Patty's day but, didn't get the chance. I really missed you that day but, to hold to our tradition, I took Jamie to the pub with me for a couple of pints. I ordered a pint of Guiness for you and a pint of Harp for myself... and then I drank both. (Mom wouldn't be very impressed) but, I knew I'd make you proud.
It's just not the same without you around everyday Pop and that day was especially hard. I try not to dwell on you not being here but, it seems the more I try the harder it gets. I guess I just never realized how much I depended on you for daily updates and chats that would always make me laugh... or wonder what the hell you were talking about. Either way, I miss them.
I hope you are enjoying the time up there with the boys and I hope Terrence is settled down somewhat now... he is truly missed by everyone as well.
Pop, I know it will get easier and everyone tells me so all the time... but, I won't miss this heartache when it is gone. Mom misses you a great deal but, she is such a strong person, I honestly don't know where she gets her innerstrength from. Her faith in God remains strong.
Anyway, like I said, I especially missed being out with you on St. Patty's day night but, Jamie is always great company. You probably miss her so much Pop, she is so beautiful and mature. Mom is giving her your car which she is very excited about.
Tell all the boys "hello" for me and I miss and love you all. Love, Maureen
Judy McGillian
February 1, 2009
A Tribute to My Husband
~For His Birthday
Not how did he die?
But how did he live?
Not what did he gain?
But what did he give?
These are the units fo measure
The worth of a man.
Was he ever ready,
With a good word of cheer
To bring back a smile,
To banish a tear?
Not what was his church
Nor what was his creed
But had be befriended,
Those really in need.
Not what did the sketch,
In the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry,
When he passed away.
Jimmy McGillian
January 25, 2009
Hi im jimmy pop was my grandfather and best friend. I will miss you and i cant wait to see you again, i love you.
James (Jim) Kelly
January 20, 2009
I am sorry for the delay in contacting you good people. It was neglect that caused this to slip my mind. Leonard, R.I.P., was the best of men. I wish you all the very best. You McGillians are all top quality.
Jack Conran
January 9, 2009
I'm Jack Conran.Pop I miss you down in earth.Pop was a funny man.I can't wait to see you in heaven.
Maureen McGillian Haley
January 3, 2009
Happy Birthday Pop! For those of you don't know January 3rd would have been my fathers 83rd birthday. Pop, you honestly never looked a day past your 70s (if that) -- it must've been those fine irish good looks that did it for you!
Daddy, things have been so hard without you here -- my whole world is not the same... I miss the daily phone calls and the occasional visits to stop down and see how me and Beave were doing -- all finished off with an "I love you!" Dad, I love and miss you so much and need your help to get through this horrible time in our life. You have Terrence up there now with you for company -- please just keep the arguing about the irish music to a minimum. Uncle Ambrose also has gone to be with you so you have a lot of work looking after your 3 boys and now your younger brothers and sisters. I know they are happy to have you dad but, the hurt here is still so raw. I watch the video of you singing the flowere of sweet strabane alot which makes me smile -- you had a beautiful voice.
Daddy -- I know it will get better one day but, if you could help speed that day up, it would be great. I never could imagine my life without you and now I know why... I miss you so much Pop. With all of my love, Maureen
Theresa Biansco
December 21, 2008
Dear Judy and family,
With deep sorrow and sympathy, I send my prayers and wishes to you, at the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, friend. He was a true person, one who loved and was loved. One who prayed and showed his strength through his faith in God, and love of his family,neighbors, and friends. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered by all who knew and loved him. I ask God to bless you and gift you with gentle memories in these days of grief,and sorrow.
God bless you always,
Terry Biansco
Geraldine McNamee
December 19, 2008
I wish to express my sincere deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband and father. His is a name I remember being mentioned often my my late mother and father (Alice McColgan nee McDonell, Legfordrum and Gerard McColgan, Gallon, Newtownstewart) with such warmth. Tomorrow I'm going to call on Jim Maguire who was married to Veronica (nee McGillion) to show him the obitutory notice which I'll print off. Please accept my heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this, the most difficult of times. Take care.
Tara McGillian
December 6, 2008
Dear Pop,
I have never ever thought of the day that you would leave me. And now, I am heartbroken. I was the luckiest girl in the world to have you, and I never realized it, until now. You have always made me smile, even when I was mad at the world. I remeber when I got in trouble, I would sneak out the window and run to your house and you would comfort me. I always had you there, and you were always there with open arms. I want to runaway to where you are now, but sadly I cannot.
Just in the summer, me and Nicole painted the tool shed for you. And even though it look horrible, you were proud of us, and told everyone who came by that we did it.
Pop I miss you so much. I almost expect you to walk in the back door sometimes. I know you would want me to be happy and to go on, but its so hard. It's good to know that when my time comes, that I will have you there to welcome me.
Pop, I will never forget you. Thanks for being everything that I wanted you to be.
Love,
Your Granddaughter,
Tara
December 1, 2008
Pop
There is not nearly enough space on this web page- let alone in the entire world wide web to express to you how much you meant to me and our family. Your melodious voice would bellow through the house calling on any little ones who might be home so that you could talk and kid with them. We'll miss seeing you in the back yard- tending to your garden,humming an irish tune,and at times strolling over to share a cup of coffee. You were always there for us when we needed a babysitter,or a car loan if ours was in the shop. I know at times we asked things of you when it might not have been at a good time- yet you always managed to give a big smile and a funny farewell wish. When my parents died shortly after Kevin and I married- you were there for me and over the years became "My Dad" not only for me but for all my 8 living siblings and "Pop" to their children. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment I ever shared with you. I especially enjoyed going to 6:30 mass with you during Lent each year. At the sign of peace you would turn to me and say "God Bless you Sweetheart" and it was said sincerely to me each morning from Ash Wednesday till Holy Thursday.Thanks for being a great man in our lives. You are dearly missed. The children adored you as did Kevin and myself. God Bless you Sweetheart.
Love,
Your Daughter-in-Law
Meghan McGillian
Danny McGillian
December 1, 2008
I'm Leonard's grandson Danny. Pop always pulled his fake teeth out to try to scare us.When I would miss the baseball in the backyard he would say "Is there a hole in your glove Danny". He sometimes called me Dennis.
I loved my Pop soooo much. He was the greatest grandfather I could ask for! I will miss him a lot, and things will never be the same.
I love you Pop Pop!!!!
Meg Maguire
November 27, 2008
Leonard -
May Leonard always walk in sunshine and God's love around him flow. For the happiness he gave us it made our heart aglow. It broke our hearts to lose him but, he did not go alone. All his children, wife and friends were by his bedside when God called him to his new home.
Maureen McGillian Haley
November 24, 2008
Dear Pop,
It has been 2 weeks now since you have passed away -- it has been 3 weeks total of complete heartache and heart break. I can't believe this has truly happened Pop and like I've said to many, I don't know how I will live without you in my life.
I chose some words that Joanne read from the eulogy the day of your funeral. Pop, I've always thought of you as my best friend. You have always made me feel like I could do anything in this world as long as you were by my side to guide me through and hold my hand. Pop, you always had a genuine and unconditional love for me and were never afraid to tell me that you 'love me.' If I didn't feel well or was just a little hungover... you'd sit at my bedside and rub my back or my arms and tell me I was "a good girl and I would be okay." I always felt safe and happy with you around Pop, and honestly my life will never be the same without you in it.
I always remember you would tell the story of when I was little... You would mention to mom or someone in the house that you were going somewhere and by the time you got your coat on and got to the car, you'd see me sitting there in the back seat smiling and kicking my feet... You'd ask me "and where do you think your going?" and I'd say, "with you daddy!" very happy and excited to be going just about anywhere with you. You used to call me your "little shadow" because of that. The truth is Pop, I would always follow you anywhere and ever since I was little I was happy and content to be with you wherever we'd go.
It has broken my heart that you had to leave us but, I will choose to believe that you are now happy and content with Jimmy and Michael now.
Please do keep a warm seat and a cold beer ready for me Pop when I meet the three of you again. Tell the boys I miss them and love them too and look forward to the greatest McGillian reunion of all time when we all arrive (hopefully) to the wonderful party up in heaven.
Pop, I will try not to be so sad and feel as miserable as I do right now for very long because I know that is not what you would want. I will try to be as happy as a person as you were and will always try to offer others at least a smile as you always did -- You were the greatest father in the world to have and I am very glad that you were mine. I love you daddy! Love, Maureen
Karen Vogel
November 24, 2008
Dear Mrs. McGillian,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. McGillian's passing. I have such fond memories of your family. Please know that you are in my prayers. Hold onto your memories.
Fondly,
Karen Vogel, MSW, ACSW
Manager of Social Work
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Rose (Rosie) Ferry
November 20, 2008
Dear Mrs. McGillian & family,
I can say that Mr. McGillian (your Leonard) had the cheeriest Hello and the kindest smile always! What a wonderful Dad, husband, grandfather, friend, brother, cousin, uncle and what great times you have all shared.
You are in my prayers always,
Rose Ferry
Joe and Lizanne Moran
November 19, 2008
Dear Judy, Kevin, Joan, Kath, Terrence, Maureen - and the rest of the wonderful people in your family -
Mt. Carmel Ave. will never be the same. When Joe and I got married, I told people I was moving to the McGillian Compound - and no one in Glenside had to ask what that meant. We will all miss Leonard's smiling face, and the friendly greeting he gave to all he saw when strolling down 'his' street. Our hearts will always hold him close.
Nicole (Ley) Dutch
November 18, 2008
To all the McGillians:
Well, I would have to say by the length of the line on Sunday night and the number of people in church on Monday, Leonard and your family are loved and respected by so many. I so am honored to have lived and grown up right next door to a WONDERFUL family. I am going to miss pulling into the driveway or coming out of the back of my house and hearing "Hello, Nic" from Leonard as he sat so comfortably on his patio. His smile and laugh were contagious. Leonard was a big part of my life growing up and he usually heard about things that I did (with Maureen, of course) before my own parents did. My family and I are going to miss him immensely. I am so happy Dutchie got to meet him and see what a great man he was and the impact he had on so many. If any of you need anything, you know how to reach me and please don't hesitate to call -- Maryland's only 2 hours away!!
I Love You All!!
Mary Grant Thompson
November 17, 2008
Dear Judy and Family,
Today's funeral mass including the readings and music were beautiful. The eulogy was a tribute, not only to Leonard, but to your whole family. My family is blessed to have had Leonard and all of you in our lives. He will be truly missed. Your family, especially Terrence, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mary, Geoff, and girls
Kate (Conran) Torres
November 17, 2008
To Judy and all the McGillian Clan -
I feel so fortunate that my children got to know "Pop" as he will surely be legendary in Glenside from here on out. The notes from the Grandchildren are very precious and really reflect what a big part Pop played in everybody's daily life. He will be missed by all who had the great pleasure to know him. My heart is very heavy for you and we continue to pray for comfort to the family in this difficult time. PEACE
CHOP Family and Friends
November 17, 2008
Dear Joan and family
It is with our deepest heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We are all with you in our prayers during these difficult times.
Your CHOP friends
AL-JULE janney
November 16, 2008
our thoughts and prayers go out to
the McGillian family with the loss of
a great man
Nicole Scalfaro
November 16, 2008
My Pop was the greatest grandfather anyone could ever ask for. Everyone knew him as "Pop" and as being a funny, nice man. He always made us smile and laugh. I will miss him so much, and things definitely won't quite be the same without him.
WHenever our parents would go out, he'd watch us. We would spend holidays with him. We went over his house every day over the summer. He is going to be missed a lot. He was such a great man, more special than anyone can express in words. We all love him and we will miss him so much.
Marge and Chris Sheedy
November 16, 2008
Dear Judy and family:
What can we say about you, Leonard and the entire family. Glenside and the entire Northeast will miss Leonard. However, how lucky we were to know and love him as the most congenial person on the earth.
The Sheedy's, Nitka's and White's will find a great loss for quite some time. However, we are truly lucky to have been in the elite group of his friends. We can go on and on with words, but the prayers for you and the family are what counts now.
May God hold him in the palm of His hand.
Liz Lennon-Miles
November 16, 2008
The Entire McGillian Clan, I am very sorry about your loss. I have very fond memories of Mr. Mc Gillian when we were growing up.He was so very kind and always a gentle man. My thoughts are with you.
Susie Boyle Jackson
November 14, 2008
Dear Judy, Maureen and the whole entire McGillian clan.
The Boyle/Donnelly Families send their deepest sympathy. I speak to Mom every day and I can tell you there is never a night that we don't get an update on you guys. Your Dad was a great man and will always be remembered as a part of our family. We always look forward to hearing from Mom and Dad who and what happened at Judy and Leonard's. Our family will always be here for you. Never hesitate to call any one of us.
We keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Susie Boyle Jackson
Tara McGillian
November 14, 2008
My pop was the greatest grandfather I could ask for. He was always happy and made everyone else happy just being in his presence.
I remember when I was little and my pop would watch me when my mom went to work, and I would cry once she lefft, and he would sing about me crying, and it made me feel a little better.
Pop never seemed angry, or sad, because he just loved life. He attended Mass everyday and often took some of us grandchildren with him.
In the summer, me, Nicole, Jimmy, Anthony, Danny, and Julia would go over to pop's everyday until we had to go to play practice. He would make us toast with butter, or grape jelly, my favorite.
Then after breakfast we would watch the Price is Right with him, and I swear he got every answer right on the show.
We even thought of sending him on the show, he liked that idea.
Pop was a good man and he was everyones pop. All of my friends, and pretty much the rest of the grandkids friends all called him pop.
I remember when he would call me over, but instead of calling me Tara, he went through all the names; Joan! Maureen! Julia! Jamie! Nicole! Kath! Judy! Jen! Oh what ever your name is, come here!
I also remember once, I think it was this summer, he let me drive, well steer, to Jamies house, just down the street, and I tried to put it into gear, but instead of Drive, I put neutral!
He also always went from his house to Maureens house, put the empty trash cans that had fallen into the street back up and in line on the grass.
Pop was the best grandfather. I will miss him a lot.
Katie Maxwell
November 14, 2008
You will be missed old friend. Love to all of you from the Maxwell's. We think of you often. I'm sure he is having a blast with the boys! We will be with them again.
Love you,
The Maxwell's
Marty Fletcher
November 14, 2008
Maureen and Family,
Thinking of you and hoping you will find comfort in your family and friends. Love and Prayers.
Tim and Val Hughes
November 14, 2008
Dear Maureen and family,
We just wanted to say sorry for your loss. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Val, Tim & Declan Hughes
November 14, 2008
Our condolences to the McGillian family. Mr. McGillian was a special person. I remember from the moment we moved onto Mt.Carmel Avenue, Mr. McGillian made us feel welcome.
Whenever he would pass by on the way to Maureen and Beave's or Joan and Tom's house, we always had a chat about the Phills, Ireland or whatever the topic of the day was.
He will be greatly missed on our block and in our hearts.
Anthony Scalfaro
November 14, 2008
Hi my name is Anthony. This is my grandpa who I lost but I loved him a lot. Most people knew him. It seemed like every time I was visiting, there was someone there from our parish visiting pop and mom-mom.
I fell very lucky to have such a great grandpa. He was the one who taught me a lot of new hings.
I will always remember him doing stuff for his 9 grandchildren like take us to serve Mass or surprise us with a special treat from Dunkin' donuts for breakfast.
Another thing I will miss dearly is Pop's toast. He always made it just the perfect amount of burnt. He butter it and sometimes, he would let us put Sugar on it.
I remember always playing outside with my cousin Jimmy and Pop would watch us and tell us to work at our highest potential and we'd soon reach our destination.
I'll miss you Pop!
Valerie DiNatale
November 13, 2008
Maureen, and McGillian Family-I am so sorry for your loss. I always remember your dad as a smiling, happy and loving man. Maureen-he was so happy at your wedding. I will remember him always. He is with my mom now and I know they are looking out for us along with your brothers. Anything we can do, say the word. We love you! The DiNatale Family
Pat Wallack
November 13, 2008
My prayers and good wishes go out to the entire McGillian family. I believe he is still with each of you in a very special way, and will be able to get you through the hard times if only you ask and believe. May God bless all of you.
Susie (Lundy) Petrosky
November 13, 2008
What a wonderful picture of Leonard!!! A wonderful picture of a wonderful man. I am listening to "The Flower of Sweet Strabane" right now as I write this note. There is hardly a memory of my childhood that doesn't reflect Leonard's presence in the background....and I am one "child" of so many!!!! His laugh and smile added to every event in our lives....Weddings, Christenings, Communions, Graduations....all are marked with his wonderful memory. We are all better people for having been blessed with you in our lives. God bless Leonard....we will miss you!
Kathy Stranges
November 13, 2008
To Dear Judy and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this. Leondard was such a kind and gentle man whose eyes sparkled whether he was laughing or not. He always had a kind word to say to everyone, I don't think he is has an enemy in the world.
I am sorry for the loss of a husband/best friend, father, grandfather and dear friend. May you rest in peace with your beloved boys.
With much love to you all,
Kathy (Farmer) Stranges
Kathy Stranges
November 13, 2008
To Dear Judy and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this. Leondard was such a kind and gentle man whose eyes sparkled whether he was laughing or not. He always had a kind word to say to everyone, I don't think he has an enemy in the world.
I am sorry for the loss of a husband/best friend, father, grandfather and dear friend. May you rest in peace with your beloved boys.
With much love to you all,
Kathy (Farmer) Stranges
Terry Barbieri
November 13, 2008
Dear McGillian Family, I will always remember Leonard's gentle ways, warm smile, the glee in his eyes and that wonderful huge laugh of his. I know this is such a sad time but I also know that his is looking down with Jimmie and Michael on everyone keeping an eye on them. I can just imagine the three of them together again.
With much love to all of you,
Terry (Farmer) Barbieri
Joanne D'Andrea
November 13, 2008
Mrs. McGillian and Family --
I cannot begin to express to you in words how deeply sorry I was to hear of Mr. McGillian's passing. I will always remember him as being a mild soft spoken gentleman with a big smile! Now he is up in heaven with all the angels and they too will see his beautiful smile...may he rest in peace.
Love Joanne
Timothy Valera
November 13, 2008
To the McGillian Family. You are all in our thoughts and Prayers during this difficult time. The Valera Family
Eileen Corrado
November 13, 2008
Hi guys, I am so very sorry that you lost your pop! What a special man he was! It is hard for me to believe.
I just can't imagine a world without leonard. I just pray that he is with the boys now! Hang in there!! I love all of you guys! My heart goes out to all of you!
The Staff of May Funeral Home
November 13, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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