John Henry McCourt

John Henry McCourt, 78, of Wilmington, died January 22, 2016, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 3, 1937, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to the late Mary “Molly” McCourt and John McCourt.

John was born into a Catholic family of 9 brothers and sisters. John left school at an early age and worked hard for his family. He met Liz in Northern Ireland in April, 1959. John asked Liz to pick a horse for that day’s Grand National. Unfortunately the horse Liz chose that day fell during the race but Harry and Liz both won big that day because a few short years later on February, 4th 1961 they were married.

Seeking an opportunity for him and his family, he moved to America in 1971 and began working for the Long Island Railroad in New York, where his wife and children followed a year later. He worked for the LIRR for 28 years and then moved to Wilmington, NC in 1995. He was an avid traveler and frequented Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Ireland, among other places. John remained the very definition of a true gentleman, a family man, and somehow always managed to look dapper no matter what was going on. A lot can be said about “Harry,” but those who knew him best know that he was a revolutionary person who worked hard but was always young at heart. Above all else, John’s greatest joy was to watch his family grow and take their own journeys. A loving hand, an open mind, an enriched heart, and awe inspiring soul, John McCourt’s everlasting legacy impacted every person he encountered. “So it is.”

Surviving family John passed on his legacy to his wife of 54 years, Liz; they would’ve celebrated their 55th anniversary on February 4, 2016. John’s legacy continues to thrive through his five children, 12 grandchildren, and siblings in Ireland.

A celebration of John’s life will be held from 2-4pm, Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Andrews Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Please call 1-800-822-6344 to make a donation in his name.