Longtime Brewster Heights Resident Dies

 provided the following information:

William J. McGoorty of Brewster (September 27, 1929 – March 29, 2012)

Bill was a man of faith. His life will be commemorated with Mass of Christian burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Interment will follow at at  in Brewster. There will be a wake held at the Beecher Funeral Home (1 Putnam Ave in Brewster) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Bill and his wife, Mary, grew up in the Bronx. In 1965 they moved their family of nine children to the “big house on the corner” in Brewster Heights and had one more child to fill it. Bill is survived by his 10 children: Danny of Brewster, Marlene Kovalik of Poughkeepsie, Edward of Pawling, Patrick of Brewster, Bobby and John of Carmel, Mary Pascarelli and Margaret Hurley of Brewster, Willie of Wappingers Falls and Marie Young of Stormville.

Bill, or “Red,” was the son of Scottish immigrants, Patrick and Isabella McGinnis, and brother to his siblings: Susan Kirk and Isabelle Bielaczy, who still reside in the Bronx; and Catherine Everich, and John from Breezy Point, who have preceded him in death.

As the older son, he was accustomed to taking care and taking charge. He never lacked the energy to work hard. As a young boy, Red could always find work or turn a need into a service. He would be found shining shoes, delivering coal, hauling ice, and selling bananas. After graduating from Rice High School in the Bronx, he began his career in the grocery business. By the time he was in his early 20’s he was managing A&P’s warehouse in Elmsford. He later transferred to the Bronx Division office where he managed the fleet and the division’s carting contracts.

After a day at the office, he could be found pumping gas at “Manny’s” station in Brewster and picking up painting jobs on the weekends. Bill never failed to provide for his family.

Anyone who knew Bill, knows he was not all work and no play. Bill loved a party! And, if there wasn’t one scheduled, he’d make it happen. He’d turn on the music, begin singing and grab a dance partner! His favorite pastime was spending time with people, especially his family. He never missed an event — and there were many to attend for his 10 children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren! 

Bill welcomed his retirement. He played golf with friends and coached his children on the game. He loved finding new “apps” for his computer – from typing tutors to playing chess and piano. He enjoyed emails and mastered online banking. He loved traveling to NYC to see a play or just hanging out his deck to watch the sunset. Bill loved life! And, every single day he was grateful to the Giver of Life. He loved his God. He prayed and went to Mass every day. He had a genuine relationship with his best friend, Jesus. And now he is with Him.