John Anthony McGourty, 77, a resident of the Town of Beekman and formerly of the Bronx, died on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in New York City on December 2, 1934, John proudly served our country in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was employed as a mechanical store clerk for the State of New York at Fishkill Correctional Facility for more than 25 years until his retirement in 2009. Every year, many children looked forward to visiting with John as he enthralled them as the wonderful and mystical "Kris Kringle." He was also well known as the "Mayor of Springhill Park." He was a member of the National Rifle Association and North American Fishing Club and enjoyed fishing, boating, cruising and gambling, especially at Monticello.
On July 7, 1984 at the Beekman Baptist Church, John married Barbara Ann Roake who survives at home. He is also survived by his son, Michael McGourty of Naples, FL; his daughter, Ella Jean Paonessa of Esopus; his grandchildren, Lauren Paonessa, Alyssa and Christopher McGourty; and his best friends, Harold and Margaret Stewart.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 6-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Eckler officiating. Interment will follow in Fishkill Rural Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial donations may be made to Paws for Love, Inc., PO Box 373, Crompound, NY 10517. For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.