John Edward O'Shaughnessy

O'Shaughnessy, John Edward

John Edward O'Shaughnessy, 81, a resident of New Milford, CT died October 4, 2012 surrounded by his family. A gregarious, loving man and proud first generation American, John was born June 16, 1931 in the Bronx, NY to parents James O'Shaughnessy of Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland and the former Beatrice Morrisrowe of Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland. John attended Cardinal Hayes High School on the Bronx's Grand Concourse. A strong student and accomplished athlete, John ran the anchor leg of Hayes' 1947 New York City High School Championship Mile Relay Team at Madison Sq. Garden. His talent and hard work earned John a four year scholarship at Iona College, from which he graduated in 1952 with a degree in accounting. John's greatest pride and life priority was his family,which began with his marriage to the love of his life, the former Ann Short. They wed January 9, 1954 at St. Sebastian's Church in Woodside, NY. At the time, John was serving his country in the US Army and he and Ann were stationed in Georgia. Upon completion of his service, John and Ann escaped north where they settled in a variety of Queens, NY neighborhoods, including Ozone Park, Woodside and Douglaston. John's true life calling beckoned with the birth of first son John, followed by James and Brian. John and Ann later moved to Katonah in New York's Westchester County, where they welcomed a fourth son, nephew Kevin Donohue, into the fold. John's devotion to family was anchored in his strong Roman Catholic faith. A lector for over 40 years at each of his parish churches -- St. Anastasia of Douglaston NY, St. Mary's of Katonah, NY and St. Francis Xavier of New Milford, CT -- John also assisted his parishes as a volunteer in finance administration and a wide variety of youth programs. John was a financial executive for 40 years, starting as an auditor with Haskins & Sells and moving on to PepsiCo, where he served as the International Bottling Group Controller and VP Finance. Later in his career, John would hold Finance VP positions at Byk Gulden and Aubrey Thomas. Upon becoming "empty nesters" in 1992, John and Ann moved to beautiful New Milford, CT where he renovated their new home and took up the game of golf. Friendships were launched and nurtured through golf, bridge and his regular lunches with buddies at ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

John is survived by Ann, his wife of nearly 59 years, his son John and daughter-in-law Josephine of Berkeley, CA, son James and daughter-in-law Betty Ann of Fairfield, CT, son Brian of New Haven, CT and nephew Kevin Donohue and niece-in-law Patty of Tarrytown, NY. He is also survived by nine loving grandchildren, Lynn, Claire, Daniel, John, Conor, Lauren, Eileen, Kelly and Timothy. He was predeceased by brother James of Jackson, MI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon, Friday, October 12th at St. Francis Xavier Church, 26 Chestnut Land Road, New Milford, CT 06776. Burial will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. The family will receive visitors, family and friends Thursday, October 11th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT 06776.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in his memory be made to the American Cancer Society or to the New Milford, Connecticut VNA Hospice, 68 Park Lane Road, New Milford, CT 06776.