Gerard F. McFeely

Gerard Francis McFeely, 83, beloved husband, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025 at his home in New York City surrounded by family. Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late John Francis McFeely and Monica Redmond McFeely, Gerard graduated from St. John’s Preparatory High School, Brooklyn in 1959. He was drafted into the army, served in active duty for two years, and remained in the army reserve until his honorable discharge in 1970. After completing active duty he worked for the Pepsi-Cola company and for United Airlines. While working for United Airlines, Gerard joined his partner, Walter Borchers in the restaurant and real estate business, eventually leaving United Airlines to work full-time in the partnership. They had many successful establishments: Dazzels (West 68th St NYC), McFeely’s (West 23rd St NYC), Camperdown Elm, later named JT McFeely’s when Gerard’s brother Joseph joined the corporation (Union St Park Slope, Brooklyn), and Santa Fe Grill (7th Ave Park Slope, Brooklyn).

Gerard was the quintessential New Yorker who loved his city, where he lived for his entire adult life. He was an avid traveler, theatregoer, reader and lover of Central Park, whose reservoir he circumnavigated every day for exercise. He was gifted with an insightful and razor-sharp wit which, combined with his debonair charm and intelligence, made being in his company a delightful experience. Gerard was predeceased by his brother Richard, his nephew Patrick Rein, his niece Alexandra Tozzi and his loving husband and partner of 58 years, Walter Borchers. He is survived by his siblings Roger and Maureen McFeely, Elizabeth and Jack Rein, Monica and Bob Riordan, Stephen and Christine McFeely, Denis and Roni McFeely, Mary Jane and John Tozzi, Joseph and Cheryl McFeely, and numerous devoted godchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. As witnessed by his family as they cared for him during the last few weeks, Gerard deeply touched the lives of so many in his local community. The stories of his kindness, graciousness, and generosity were recounted over and over again by countless neighbors and local business owners. Gerard volunteered to serve his fellowman in many ways. At the height of the AIDS epidemic he volunteered for Gay Men’s Health Crisis. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, he worked at the volunteer soup kitchen. And for many years he volunteered at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in New York. Gerard was a wise and invaluable resource for his siblings, nieces and nephews. He epitomized the patriarch of a large family by always being available to counsel and guide in times of crisis and joy. Throughout his entire life his acts of generosity and benevolence were done quietly, privately and without a hint of fanfare. There will be a private family burial at Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the breadline at stanthonyshrine.org