John F. Magoolaghan

John Magoolaghan Obituary

MAGOOLAGHAN - John F., beloved husband of Vivian. Devoted father of Beth Barning and Steve, Jack and Sandra, Joan and Larry, Tim and Marion and Gerry and Kelly. Loving brother of William, Helen Nelson and Mary Naglitsch. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Reposing, Lincoln Park Funeral Home, 625 McLean Ave. Yonkers. Mass, Tuesday, 9:30am at St. Paul the Apostle Church. Interment, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Smithtown, NY. Visiting, Monday, 2-4 and 7-9pm.

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Published by Newsday on Sep. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Magoolaghan

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5 Entries

George Magoolaghan

September 25, 2008

Grandpa was the greatest role model I've known. Not only did he raise 5 dynamic individuals who went on to continue his legacy of commitment to family and community, but he did it with a natural grace and humility that few could ever repeat. Looking over his legacy of children and granchildren over the past few days, it is hard not to be moved by what he has created. I feel fortunate to have him as a template for how to live my life, and more importantly how to raise my family. Some of us became grandkids through marriage, some of us through adoption, some of us through birth. Just as he treated all of those he met with regard and respect, each and everyone of his grandchildren were loved by him as if he was in the waiting room the day of our birth. The power of his love, guidance and wisdom is truly evident as you look upon the generations that follow him. We were all truly fortunate to have him touch our lives and he will be missed. Thanks grandpa.

Gerry Magoolaghan

September 24, 2008

My Brother Jack presented a perfect picture of the great man that my Father was when he eulogized him so there was no need to say anymore at the time, however, I was prepared to leave you with the following thoughts:

We have all spent a lot of time over the last few months and weeks thinking about the man Dad was. And he was an exceptional man.

Sometimes it says as much about a person to reflect on who they weren't.

My Father wasn't a native born American, but he was as proud to be an American as anyone you'll ever meet. He told me many times of the great pride he took in defending this Country and of the honor and privilige it was to grow up here. He was thankful for the many opportunities this Country provided for him and his parents and he never took that for granted.

Dad wasn't judgemental. He listened, he gave his opinion when asked (and usually it was only if asked) and he kept to the facts surrounding the issue. He gave good, sound advice without the lecture or opinion that oftentimes accompanies advice.

He wasn't demanding. Dad led by example and by providing encouragement. His only expectation is that you did your best at whatever it was you decided to do, whether that be a laborer or a lawyer. If you decided to try something new he only had words of encouragement and a strong belief in your eventual success.

My Father wasn't demeaning. We have all talked about Dad's sense of humor recently but his jokes were never at someone else's expense. My Dad was too big a person to need to make you feel small so he could feel big. Dad's joy came from making other's feel good, and he did it as often as possible.

My father wasn't a bigot. He loved anyone and everyone. He welcomed anyone into our home and made them feel like they were part of the family. We had many exchange students from across the globe , from many walks of life, live with us and they were all welcomed and loved. He was proud to have raised 5 children to be that way and he did it without ever mentioning it. He just showed us.

My Father wasn't vulger. I heard him tell a million jokes but never a lewd one. He rarely swore although he did have that British ace-in-the-hole "bloody" to use when he was really pushed. And we never went further than a mile or two before we ran into the first of many "meatball drivers" we would encounter on every trip, but those don't count.

He wasn't loud and obnoxious, but he was still the life of a party and he did it with his cheery demeanor and enthusiastic greetings.

Dad wasn't shy, he greeted everyone he met with a warm, genuine smile and a big "hello". He told us that every encounter should begin with a smile, you could always change that to a frown if the situation demanded it but most often a smile would set the tone and be met with a smile. It's a lot harder to turn a frown into a smile. He believed the world was a mirror and more often than not you got back the look you gave it.

My Father wasn't the type to sweat the "big stuff". Yes, I know the saying is "don't sweat the SMALL stuff" but Dad had it backwards. Thank God. Yes, Dad got upset if you left the kitchen cabinet open "because someone might lose an eye". And someone might fall down the basement stairs if the door was left open so Dad got mad and he did "sweat" it. But I can guarantee you that there isn't another person you wanted around when "the BIG stuff" happened. Dad took over in a calm, commanding, self assured way regardless of the severity of the crisis. Be it medical, relationship, career, money or any other crisis that life may put your way Dad handled it because he didn't sweat the big stuff. He was there and he was the person you wanted there. I don't know what I'll do the next time I run into the BIG stuff in life but I know I'll miss having Dad to be there.

Dad wasn't selfish. I can't remember him ever coming home with something he bought for himself. I had to give him a decent set of golf clubs I won in a raffle because he wouldn't spend the money on himself to get one. But anything anyone else ever needed he found a way to get.

Dad wasn't insecure. You have to really feel strong about yourself to drive around in a Volkswagon Beetle with a wind-up key suction cupped to the trunk lid and not feel self-conscious. But the 5 of us bought it for him one Christmas and he always had it on. He almost got run over a few times (maybe 5 or 6) dodging rush hour traffic on the Northern State Parkway to retrieve the wayward key because he wouldn't want to show up home without it and dissapoint us.

My Father wasn't a muscular, macho type but he was the strongest man I've ever known. Strong in his love of family, country and God. Strong in his conviction to always do the honorable and moral thing. Strong when you needed someone strong.

Yes, my Father was many great things, but he also "wasn't" many things.

John 2-28-2005 at Kara's Buffalo choral concert

Elizabeth Koob

September 23, 2008

Simply put, what a wonderful person. I feel blessed to have known him and to have had him as part of my life. Papa John was kind and noble, and he will be missed with many treasured memories by all who knew him.

JANIE SOPER

September 22, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Diane Smith

September 22, 2008

Dear Tim and Family
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May all your wonderful memories get you through this difficult time.
Love
Dennis and Diane Smith

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