Leo Henry McNally

Leo Henry McNally
Of Binghamton
Leo Henry McNally (83) of Binghamton passed away on Friday, March 6, 2009 at Willow Point Nursing Home. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Helen B. McNally. He is survived by his son, Michael McNally, Endicott, daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Chuck Ellsworth, Johnson City, three grandchildren, Megan and Colin Ellsworth, Johnson City, Rachel Arlene Reynolds, Binghamton, two brothers and a sister-in-law, John Edward and Norma McNalley, Vestal, and Vincent F. McNalley, Binghamton, four sister-in-law, Mary Solomon, Olyphant, Pa., Alice Gorman, Johnson City, Grace McGovern, Moosic, Pa, and Carol "Cookie" Sossong, Moosic, Pa., several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Leo, a longtime member of St. Christopher's Church and graduate of Binghamton North High, served his country during World War II in the North African and Italian campaigns. He was seriously wounded at the Battle of Mt. Cassino in February 1944 and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery as well as the Purple Heart. After the war, he re-enlisted in the Army as a photographer for Stars and Stripes and was stationed in West Germany. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1949, he returned home and worked at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center where he later met his future wife, Helen Harrington. After retiring from the BPC he worked at the Post Office until he finally retired in 1987. He later became a Volunteer at United Health Services receiving several citations for the number of hours he volunteered at UHS. He also became a member of the American Legion Post #1645 where he became known as a very skilled poker and pool player. Leo always had a great sense of humor and loved to tease his wife, children, and grandchildren. Despite the limited use of his left arm due to his war injuries, he never complained about this disability and often worked two jobs so that he could provide a good home and life for his wife, children, and grandchildren. We will miss his smile, good humor, and the love he always gave his family.
Funeral Mass will be offered at 9:30 AM Tuesday, March 10th at St. James Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the Thomas J Shea Funeral Home, Inc., 137 Robinson Street, Binghamton, New York, Monday from 4-7 pm. Friends wishing may make memorial donations to The Alzheimer's' Association 401 Hayes Ave. Endicott, NY 13760 in Memory of Leo H. McNally.