John J. Begley

John J. Begley, a loving husband, father, grandfather, relative, and friend, passed away on October 16, 2023, at Calvary Hospital in Bronx, NY. He was born on November 13, 1929, in Graffies, Dingle Co. Kerry, Ireland, to Michael and Hannah Begley (nee Walsh).

John dedicated 30 years of his life as an Operations Mechanic for Con Edison from 1961 to 1991. After retiring from his career, he spent an additional 32 years enjoying his well-deserved retirement. John had a strong work ethic and helped manage the family farm from a young age. At just 16 years old after the war in Europe, he traveled to England to work on rebuilding the roads.

In 1959, John emigrated to Mount Kisco, NY, to join his family members, who had emigrated prior to him. It was while living in Mount Kisco, that he met the love of his life, his wife Peggy Spencer. They married in 1963 and raised their three children in the Bronx and Yonkers. 

An animal lover at heart, John shared his life with numerous beloved pets throughout the years. He found great joy in their companionship and cherished their presence.

Beyond his work and love for animals, John had various interests and hobbies that brought him immense happiness. He took great pride in his Irish heritage and actively supported the Kerryman's Association. He relished many memorable trips with the Mount Vernon Irish community. John was an active member of the Holy Name Society in Our Lady of Refuge  and a dedicated parishioner of St. Barnabas Church. 

During summers, he enjoyed spending time in the picturesque Catskill Mountains and fishing on the Long Island Sound. These precious moments allowed him to connect with nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.

John's warm personality endeared him to all those who knew him. With a kind heart full of love and compassion, he touched the lives of many people throughout his journey.

John is survived by his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy), and their three children: Richard, John, and Thomas. John will be missed by his three grandchildren: Matthew, Danielle, and Rebecca, and his brother Dennis, John's legacy lives on through his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and his great-great-nieces and nephews.

John is predeceased by his siblings, Eileen, Mary, Kathleen, Thomas, Michael, and Murish, and his daughter-in-law, Marcie.

The services for John will be held at Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham, NY, on October 22, 2023. Visitation will take place from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Mass will be held on October 23, 2023, at St. Barnabas Church situated at 409 E 241st St, Yonkers, NY. The Mass will commence at 10:45 AM and conclude at 11:45 AM. Following the Mass, John will be laid to rest in Gate of Heaven Cemetery located at 10 W Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, NY. The burial service will take place from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM.

John J. Begley will forever be remembered for his dedication to his work, love for animals, passion for his heritage, and the joy he brought to those around him. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in John’s memory may be made to Calvary Hospital.