James 'jay' Mcauliffe,

James 'Jay' McAuliffe Sr., 89, of East Hartford, loving husband of over 55 years to the late Mildred L. (Martin) McAuliffe, passed away peacefully on Saturday, (February 20, 2010). Born in East Hartford on March 21, 1920, a son of the late William and Anna (Carey) McAuliffe, he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Jay was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. Prior to his retirement, Jay was employed for 39 years as a Railroad Engineer in the Hartford area. Jay was a former communicant of St. Mary's Church, East Hartford and an avid fan of the Boston College Eagles. Besides his beloved wife and parents, Jay was predeceased by a daughter, Ann Carol Grande of East Hartford. Jay is survived by a son, James J. McAuliffe, Jr. and his wife, Celeste, of Columbia; a grandson, Robert Grande and his wife, Lisa; two great-grandsons, Robert and Joseph Grande; several nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends. Private funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Thursday, February 25, from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jay's name may be made to the American Cancer Society , 538 Preston Avenue, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004. For any online expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.