John Joseph McNally “carried with him throughout his life a deep appreciation for family, faith, and hard work,” his family said. A father of four, grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather of seven, “nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved. He took genuine interest in their lives, celebrated their accomplishments, and offered support whenever it was needed.”
Mr. McNally died on June 10 at the Westhampton Care Center. He was 90.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, who lives in East Hampton, and by his four daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Joe Daniels of Calverton, Diane McNally and Tim Miller of Charleston, S.C., Colleen and Bruce Stonemetz of Amagansett, and Dorothy and Sidney Field of Springs, and by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called him Pepa and “brought him immeasurable pride and joy.”
Mr. McNally spent more than three decades caring for the Juan Trippe estate in East Hampton. He took great pride in the work and formed many lasting friendships. He also worked as a custodian for the Springs School for some 20 years, building special bonds with students, teachers, and staff. As a younger man he worked at The East Hampton Star, helping with typesetting and delivery.
He was born in Brooklyn on April 29, 1936, to Irish immigrants. His father, James Patrick McNally, was from Granard in County Longford; his mother, the former Mary Ann Gallagher, was from Drumkeeran in County Leitrim.
A lifelong student of history, Mr. McNally enjoyed researching genealogy. He spent countless hours tracing family roots in East Hampton and Ireland, and took pride in “preserving family stories and connections, ensuring that future generations would know where they came from and the people who came before them,” his family said.
He grew up in East Hampton and while in school here “met the love of his life, Kathleen Collins.” They were married on Sept. 23, 1956, and “together built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and community.” They raised their family on Miller Lane East in East Hampton, “creating a home that became the heart of countless family gatherings, celebrations, and cherished memories.”
His family said he “found peace on the water. Whether fishing, boating aboard the Scramble, or surfcasting along the beaches he loved, he was happiest outdoors, enjoying the beauty of the East End.”
Mr. McNally was predeceased by his siblings, James (Sonny) McNally, Margaret Gural, Michael McNally, and Bridget Stavropoulos. Two sisters-in-law, Blodwen Hulse of Amagansett and Nancy Collins of Springs, survive.
A funeral was held on Monday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jim Erwin officiating. Burial followed at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. His family has suggested contributions to St. Luke’s at 18 James Lane, East Hampton 11937, or the Amagansett Fire Department, P.O. Box 911, Amagansett 11930.
“Above all else, John will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend,” his family wrote. “He taught those around him the value of hard work, humility, loyalty, and unconditional love.”
