James F. McGourty

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of James McGourty, of Aston, Pennsylvania, formerly of Jackson Heights, Queens, and County Leitrim, Ireland. Jim passed away peacefully in New York on October 26, 2026, At the Montrose Veterans Home, where Jim received compassionate and dedicated care from the staff, whose kindness helped ensure his comfort and dignity during his final year.

Jim was born in Daragoon, Dowra, County Leitrim, in December 1930.

He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth Kelly and Hugh McGourty; his sister, Annie (Leitrim); and his brothers, Eugene (Flushing) and Patrick (Leitrim).

He will be deeply missed by his family and his dear friend, Lilian; his sisters-in-law, Kathleen McGourty (Flushing) and Annie McGourty (Leitrim); his nephews, Padraig, Gerrard, Patrick and William; and his nieces, Ann and Maureen.

Jim arrived in America in 1954, sailing from Cobh, County Cork, aboard the passenger ship Ascania. The voyage from Ireland to New York took eight days. Shortly after his arrival, he served in the US Army for two years, during which time he was stationed in Germany.

Following his military service, Jim worked for the federal government with the National Park Service at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, where he remained until his retirement at the age of 72.

Jim had a keen interest in politics and current affairs, both at home and abroad. Anyone wishing to engage him in conversation on a particular topic had to be well read, as he valued knowledge and was never short of an opinion.

He especially loved talking about Ireland, its people, the houses and the places he fondly remembered from his youth. These memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Jim was always careful about his health. His favorite meal was salmon and greens, a dish he was never tired of. He neither smoked nor drank alcohol, and he gave up eating red meat in his fifties.

Following his retirement, Jim moved to Aston, Pennsylvania, to be closer to his dear friend Lilian. They enjoyed spending time together and dining out weekly at local restaurants.

Jim cherished visits from his family, including his sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He lived independently until his 95th year, when a fall in his apartment meant he needed to move into supported care for the final year of his life. He expressed a wish to return to New York from Pennsylvania, allowing him to receive the support he needed while spending more time with his family.

Jim will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Visitation will be held at Quinn Fogarty Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, on Monday November 2, 2026, from 8:30 am to 9:00 am.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Mary's Nativity Church, 46-02 Parsons Blvd, Flushing, NY 11355, on Monday November 2, 2026, from 9:45 am to 10:30 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd, Calverton, NY 11933.