James E. Hennessy

He was surrounded by his loving family and devoted, caring wife of 66 years Barbara (Hahn) Hennessy. He was born December 24, 1933, in Syracuse NY, the son of Thomas and Mary Hennessy.

James graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse and then went on to graduate from Syracuse University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later completed his MBA through Syracuse University. After beginning his marriage of 66 years, to the love of his life Barbara, in 1956 he served in Washington DC as a naval officer. He began his business career working for the NY Telephone company. After a successful and rewarding 32-year career working for NY Telephone company, AT&T, NYNEX, and Verizon he retired from NYNEX as executive vice president in 1990. His focus in a highly active retirement shifted to enriching his local community. He Co -Found the Palisades Institute of Dominican College. He was honored by the naming of the Hennessy Center after his long term Chairmanship of the Board of Trustees at Dominican College, for his enthusiasm and leadership in the development of the college. James was also a multi term Chairman of Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees. He found the James and Barbara Hennessy Breast Imaging Suite at the hospital. He became an Adjunct Teacher, the Deputy County Executive for Rockland County and was named County Business Leader of the year.

James’ abundant energy and enthusiasm manifested in his commitment to his faith at St Francis of Assisi Catholic church in West Nyack NY and St Francis of Assisi church in CA. He was an avid reader, a collector of books, a recreational golfer, a lover of owls, a prolific writer of books, essays, musings, and poems. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a Servant Leader in business, family, and his life, he became a living model of his beloved 5 "Ls"; Love, Live, Learn, Labor, Laugh.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Hennessy. James was survived by his wife Barbara, his brother Robert, his sons Lawrence and Paul, his daughters in law Deborah and Bonnie, and his devoted grandchildren, Christopher, Patricia, Joseph, Victoria, Kathleen, and Lawrence as well as his first great granddaughter Willow.

Visiting hours will be at Higgins Funeral Home in New City NY on Thursday April 27, 2023, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Friday 10:00am at St Francis of Assisi Church of West Nyack NY. Interment will follow at St Anthony’s Cemetery of Nanuet NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James's honor may be made to Dominican University, Blauvelt NY.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Hennessy family.