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John McGorry Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John McGorry
Peter Caracciolo
March 24, 2018
John was my camp counselor along with John Friedman circa 1975 at Camp Marydale. He was an icon, a man who could run as he put it a consistent 5 minute mile but sometimes better. I will never forget him. I have trouble processing the fact that such a virile, athletic leader that I adored is gone so soon. I will never forget him.
David Young
March 15, 2010
John ("McGoo"),
You were one of the memories of Slippery Rock that always brings a smile. I was so glad that I had the chance to spend time with you at a recent alumni meet. God be with you and your family.
David J Young
Dave Smith
March 9, 2010
God Bless you John! A great team-mate, room-mate and friend while at Slippery Rock.
Jon Folber
December 26, 2009
Hi Debbie:
It is with deep sorrow that I heard of John's untimely death, I remember you and your family from all the road races John and I raced together. I still have a great picture of the 2 of us racing in Eisenhower Park. Besides being a terrific runner,and great competitor he was always a great sport and friend. He will always be in my thoughts.
Would love to hear from you and how your family is.
My deepest sorrow and I know you have a lot of great people supporting you .
Looking forward to hearing from you.
With great sorrow, Jon
Bert Mizusawa
December 8, 2009
To John's family, I only knew your husband and father through his brother Jim, my West Point classmate and one of the most impressive men I've known -- and he says John was even more impressive, so I've always had a lot of respect for John and his warrior spirit. May he rest in peace -- our prayers are with you all.
T Brady
November 11, 2009
Your father was a great man and so are his Wife and wonderful children. Never forget that he loved you with his whole heart and never expected more from you than he was willing to give himself.
To Live in the Hearts we Leave behind is Not to die.
Thomas Campbell
November 9, 2009
My father was a great man. I just became aware of this page and it's brought me alot of...well...love.
George Walsh
November 8, 2009
The McGorry's
Christmas 1980
Rebecca
November 6, 2009
We offer our deepest sympathy. When tragedy strikes and takes the life of our loved ones, many cry out with great sorrow. Your tears are not unnoticed by the Creator of Life. Never was it his purpose for our human lives to be taken away. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve. The Bible assures us God "is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spot." Psalm 147:3
November 2, 2009
Dear Debra, Uncle Jack, Margaret Mary, Jim, Maureen, and Joe, and to all my Walsh relatives,
A couple of months ago Stephanie and I were so thrilled to get an affirmative response to our wedding invitation from John and Deb. It meant not only so much to us, but was a sign of hope.
As devastating as the news was when we heard it from my mom the Friday evening before we were to wed, like your late mother/in-law/wife, my Aunt Margaret would have expected, we had to soldier on through the pain of the loss and do what needed to be done. Today is my first day back at work since the day before John passed away. I find myself thinking of him and specifically a couple of memories:
When you're young, an age difference of three years means a lot. To an eleven year old boy--especially if he happens to be an only child--a 14 year old cousin you see on all the major holidays growing up is in a whole different world. A world I would have done anything to inhabit for a bit. But of course there are always barriers. It's just not easy to rise above all the differences in outlook and experience.
In 1971 I got as a gift a new Panasonic tape recorder. On my birthday, which also happened to be Thanksgiving Day. I brought it with me to Farmingdale in the backseat of Granpa's '68 Nova, my mom in the front with our dog Little Pal and Granpa driving. That day I went around the McGorry house trying to capture on tape what was going on. I was just playing with a new toy, to be sure, not planning that this would one day become part of my personal archive.
I still have it in my little blue box meant to hold 45 rpm records.
A different day, the McGorrys in Bayside, John was practicing a recitation of "Casey at the Bat" for a school performance. He asked to use the tape recorder so he could hear himself, a practice I later used to learn to recite poems from memory. His inflections and dramatic reading were exemplary. He'd captured the tone perfectly. I know because I'd listen to it now and then throughout the years whenever I went looking through my tape collection.
There were other moments: the Sunday night in Farmingdale at 10:30 pm when, gathered in the living room watching tv (not the basement as usual, I seem to remember), a show was turned on called Monty Python's Flying Circus. Thereafter, watching that show late on Sunday nights would make me laugh so hard I'd fall off the bed, and it would make going to school the next day bearable. I never missed it after that if I could help it. John's sense of humor: the song "Fish Heads, rolly polly fish heads" on Dr. Demento was another gift when John and I one night were in his parents' car for some reason and he of course had it on the radio. I didn't know from absurd comedy. But boy did that stick in my mind.
Trying to escape from a "geeky" image as a "Trekkie"--something I both loved and felt ambivalence about--I sought the spheres of older fill-ins for siblings I did not have.
Even though in later years the nearly inevitable drift apart due to family, work, distance, and whatever other hard-to-fathom differences would occur,
John came with his daughter Tara to Steph and my engagement party last year, a surprise gift that we will always treasure.
Tom Padilla
Cousin, Nephew,
CNN NY Tape Library
Circulation Coordinator
October 27, 2009
Dear Deb, Tim & Tara, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. The Tillotsons
David Katz
October 27, 2009
Dear Debra and Family,
The Long Island Running Family lost one of our true heros.
John has always been an inspiration to all of us, as an exceptional athlete and even more important as an extroidinary person. He shinned with dignity and warmth.
I will always remember him as a good man, a very good man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jacqui Grasso
October 27, 2009
Dear Debra,Tim,Tara and family,I would like to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all. I did have the pleasure of meeting John at one of Tim's comedy shows in the city..I have to say I walked away knowing where Tim got his sense of humor..what a kind,friendly man he was.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
October 26, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all the McGorrys. John was an inspiration to so many people. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Robin Wexler
Therese Brady
October 26, 2009
Dear Debbie, Tim, and Tara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have great admiration for the strength of faith and spirit John and your whole family have shown these many years. I have watched Debra and Tara continue John's love of running, and know that Tim gets the gift of his sense of humor from his dad. I am sure that John is now once again able to continue that love of running, in the presence of God. He was a remarkable man and you are a loving remarkable family.
Much love and peace to you all,
Therese, Sarah, Brendan, Colin and Brigid Brady
Patti & Bob Highley
October 26, 2009
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with the whole McGorry family, especially for Maureen Oswald.
Lori Mohr Pedersen
October 26, 2009
MO, Pop, Deb and Sibs,
Through MO I feel like I know you all, each of you are special and together you are amazing. I continue to be in awe of your family, the friendships you have with each other, the faith you are so willing to share and the strength that you each have within.
Through MO I know that John was an incredibly strong, faith-filled man, who cared about people and who people cared about. His life touched many, and mine is one of them. I prayed for John and always admired his strength and ability to face every pebble or boulder that got in the way of a smooth journey…and always with faith and trust and hope…always hope.
My faith has deepened over the last 11 years as each of you have witnessed to me through Maureen. I continue to pray for you the McGorry family and all your family branches. Hold on to your faith and share it with others. I am so grateful it was shared with me.
Peace, Blessing and Joy,
lmp
Charlie
October 26, 2009
John McGorry helped me with a lot of my emotional/behavioral issues at South Oaks many years ago. I can honestly say that I am a well adjusted young man today because of the advice and guidance he had given me. May he rest in peace.
Nicole G
October 26, 2009
The McGorry family is in my thoughts and prayers, I know that Mr. McGorry is within a beautiful eternal rest in which he is looking down upon his loved ones, gracing them with strength and love.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." [Matthew 5:4]
Jody Maynard
October 26, 2009
My prayers go to the entire family.
Joe LeGasse
October 26, 2009
Dear McGorry Family, may the raod rise up to meet him and may he find a peaceful place to rest to watch over you all.
Warmest regards
Joe LeGasse USMA 79 (Jimmy's Classmate)
J Carney
October 26, 2009
Dear Debbie and the McGorry family,
You are in our hearts and prayers.
The Carney Family
Laura Trent
October 26, 2009
Dear Debbie, Timothy, Tara and family, John will be sorely missed by everyone who ever had the opportunity to meet him! Sincerely, Laura and Joshua Trent
Kathy Norjen-Lofgren
October 26, 2009
Dear Debbie, Tim, Tara, Mr. McGorry, Margaret Mary, Jim, Maureen and Joe,
I have had the honor of knowing John(ny) my whole life, 51 years. I lived across the street from the McGorry clan and I have been truly blessed with a wonderful, innocent childhood that John was such a large part of. We grew up in a time where neighbors cared for each other and were such a part of each others lives. We would have neighborhood bar-b-ques in the Glazer's garage in the rain, played kick-the-can in the street until dark. swam in the pool at the Appels, climbed into the pit through the Karayeans, birthday partys in the McGorrys basement..... It was wonderful and all of it was shared with my special friend John. We did everything together and the McGorry's have many pictures that document our growing up together. If you had the blessing of being part of the McGorry extended family there is a picture of you somewhere. In fact while John was sick the last couple of years, him and his father categorized and organized the many boxes of slides. We have so many pictures of all the birthday parties, communion, confirmation, graduation from high school and then graduation from college, we reached all these milestones together.
As life went on, we have gone our separate ways but I would always get updates from my mom about how John was doing or if I was visiting my mom and he was at his dad's we would catch up. When my dad passed away he was at the funeral and after I gave my speech of remembrance about my dad, I can still hear his voice as he came over to give me a hug, as he said, "Hey Norj - I'm impressed, I didn't know you had it in you!!!!!!!!!!!) I was given the wonderful opportunity to strengthen our friendship as we worked together to plan the Farmingdale Neighborhood Reunion. John with all that he had gone through, still had his wonderful whit and sense of humor. He was John(ny)!!!!
I feel that a big part of my childhood has died with the passing of John. His family's faith will get them through this difficult time and they will receive great comfort in knowing that he ran his last race with all the dignity and humor that he possessed. Marg his mom was waiting at the finish line, as they start on all their new adventures together.
You will be truly missed, my life long friend!!!
Ali Keily (Jim Keily's wife)
October 25, 2009
My thoughts are with you all during this sad time. John fought such a tough battle and endured so much. Something to be said for that IRISH SPIRIT!! Cherish your memories and hug each other alot! <3
October 25, 2009
Dear Debbie, Tim and Tara,
It was an honor to know John. He truly was a inspiration to anyone who was lucky enough to know him. I will miss him very much.
With love,
Ellen Weinstein
Mike Appel
October 25, 2009
To the entire McGorry family: Words cannot express my heartfelt sadness for the passing of Johnny. That's how we referred to John on Hawthorne/Woodland Ave growing up. My family moved onto Woodland Ave in the summer of 1968 and he was one of the first kids I met on the block, even back then he was wise guy funny. I remember both of us having Newsday paper routes and we would load up our bikes in his garage with the papers to deliver (many laughs that I will not forget).Going into High School Johnny introduced me to long distance running and cross country (I was never as fast but always part of his warm up run:). He would always tell me - "who cares how fast you run, just run if you love it" As we all moved on with our lives and got married , had kids and got older my Mom would always see him running through the neighborhood when he visited his Dad. I will not forget when Johnny came to pay his respects back in March when my Mom died. He still had his crazy sense of humor and had us laughing which helped all of us. I thank the Lord for Johnny sharing a part of his life and I thank him for the memories. Rest in Peace my friend.
October 25, 2009
Dear Debbie, Tara and Timmy,
May the peace of the Lord surround you at this time and always. This was one special man.
With love,
Laurie, Rich, Justin and Kristin DiScalfani
Peggy Karayean DeFrisco
October 25, 2009
To all the family of John McGorry,
I grew up on woodland avenue with all of you. We had a wonderful childhood there. The Norjens, Appels, Glasers, and Karayeans had many great times together in our childhood inocense. Those are the memories that are flooding to me after hearing of John's passing. John had an irish wit that was so entertaining to us all. The fun days and nights we all had are cherished memories that we all hold dear to this day.
I got to see him again during our Farmingdale reunion and it was so much fun. I was glad to see he never lost his sense of humor. His slide show presentation should have been filmed. It was one of the funnist thig I ever heared narrated by him, He had everyone in stiches!!!
I was happy to see that he was the same old Johnny after knowing that he had been through so much with his illness.
I lost my huband seven years ago to brain cancer and I know what it is like to go through the pain and sorrow in seeing your love one slip away. I am so sorry for you all. And may God bless him for he is now at peace and has no more pain.
Remember, you take your love with you when you go.
Rosanne Veilson
October 25, 2009
Dear Margaret and all the McGorry family,
I am so sad to learn of John's passing. He showed such courage and strength ... and according to what you told me, Margaret.... he never lost his sense of humor, no matter how difficult things were ...
~ "God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. " ~unknown
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in your faith and all of the good memories of John...which will brings lots of tears but also many smiles...
God Bless,
Rosanne
Katie Lansner Quaranto
October 24, 2009
Dear Debbie,Jack and family, I am a friend of Marge's from many years ago and have met all of you. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband,father,son and brother. I wish I had words that would truly comfort you, but take comfort in knowing that Marge was there waiting for John, with her beautiful smile and outstretched arms.
Michelle Silverberg
October 24, 2009
What can I say about John? What an unbelievable man....what amazing memories he leaves behind.....he has been an inspiration since I began working with him in 1995. Rest in peace, John....you will be greatly missed.
Robin Pliss
October 24, 2009
In the time that I know you Maggie, I have learned much about who you are. Your morals and values, your kindness and respect for others, your diligence as a parent and so much more are all testamants to who you are. Although, I did not know your brother, I do feel that I have gained a true sense of him and your family through your eyes. As you said, “faith and family” are the two things that have given you the strength to get through life. In talking with you, you filled my heart with a wonderful sense of who your family truly is. I feel as though I know them, for I too share this most precious gift with my family and know the feelings you have when you think about them all. Listening to you speak of your final moments with John, although sad for you all, I could also sense the strength, joy, unity and determination you all share in life. I know that you are aware that this is the most precious gift we can receive in this lifetime. So keep spreading your love and living your life through faith and family, hopefully some of it will rub off on those around you. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
October 24, 2009
Dear Maggie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
Theresa O'Hagan (from Curves)
Paula Zacharias
October 24, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. John will be missed. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back on memories help comfort you tomorrow.
Paula Zacharias (Diagnostic Imaging)
Kelly Gallagher
October 24, 2009
Dear Maggie and all the family. What a courageous man John was. What a fight he gave to his very last days. What an awesome legacy and memory he leaves behind.
I know the pain of losing a brother and it is unimaginable at times. I also know that John's memory, wit and humor will live on in you all "One Day at a Time".
There are no words that can be said, or hugs that can be given that will take away your pain. Time does not heal the wounds; however it shows us that we can go on. Time allows us the opportunity to remember our loved ones and carry on some of the work they did hear on earth.
I know Marge was waiting for John at the gate. As I said, she had her Ref gear on and whistle in her mouth, and her hands in the "T" position. She told John it was time and that there is now a place for him to carry on his work with the Lord. How blessed heaven will be to have the two of them working there stuff up there.
Please know I have you all in my daily thoughts and prayers. Be good to yourselves today and always. Share John's stories and life with everyone you come in contact with. They all will benefit from having a glimpse of the awesome Man he was.
God Bless and Keep you all....
Kelly
October 24, 2009
You are in God's Loving Hands. Rest in peace, my friend....
A
October 24, 2009
You are in God's Hands of Ever Loving Care. Rest in peace, my friend....
October 24, 2009
We wish to express our deepest sympathy for the death of your son, John. We haven't seen your children since we moved to Pompano Beach, FL in 1971. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Your friends, Lois & Bill
George Walsh
October 24, 2009
Dear Debra, Tim, Tara, Uncle Jack, Margaret Mary, Jim, Maureen, Joe, Extended Family and Friends,
We mourn with you. There are no words that can convey John’s magnitude as a person.
We will always remember John for his running, his sense of humor and tremendous courage.
John will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
Cousin George, Denise and Gregory
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