James Valentine Lally

Announcing the passing of James Valentine Lally of Shragh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland on December 23, 2025 in The Bronx, New York, USA at the age of 98. James was preceded by Anthony (father), Mary (mother), and eleven brothers and sisters. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews in Ireland, America, and around the world.

James, also lovingly referred to as "Val", led a remarkable life filled with humanity, laughter, and sense of adventure. As a teenager, he left home to join his brothers in England to do agricultural work during the height of World War Two. In 1954, he convinced his brother Michael to join him on the boat from Cobh, County Cork to New York City. James loved his new home of America for its vibrancy and sense of endless opportunity, and began his career as a bartender at the World's Fair in New York City in 1958. After years of hard work, he went on to own The Little Bavaria Bar and Cocktail Lounge and The Lodge in The Bronx, the sources of many rich stories that James would love to share. He had a special love for the horses, going on to co-own several ponies that raced at New York courses in the 1970's and 1980's. Like many Irish-Americans of his generation, he worked as a doorman on the Upper East Side of New York City; prior to retiring, he was a Security Guard at the world famous Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

James will be warmly remembered for his trademark sense of humour, love of his native Ireland and adopted home of America, and his Catholic Church.

Requiem on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:30 am

Our Lady of Good Counsel

230 East 90th Street

New York, NY 10128

(between Second and Third Avenues)

Private burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

May he rest in peace.