Obituary of James D. Lillis

James David Lillis passed away on Tuesday August 5th, peacefully in his home with his wife and children by his side. Jim was raised in Manhattan by his parents James (Co. Clare) and Margaret (Co. Kerry). He is survived by his wife Bridget of 54 years, his sister Peggy Kildunne and his five children Peggy (Marcus), Jim (Lorraine), John (Alicja), Michael (Julie) and Kathleen (Mark), as well as 10 grandchildren. Jim will be remembered as a man with an intense love and commitment to family and faith. He spent his career as an electrical technician, a lifelong passion he developed in the United States Navy. He was a natural problem solver and was equally at home with circuit schematics, car shop manuals or the New York Times crossword puzzle. Brain challenges were his place for peaceful retreat. He retired from Con Edison as a senior technician at Indian Point, a place where he developed lifelong friendships. Jim was a devoted son and brother, loving husband and dedicated, caring father. His most cherished moments were spent with family beside him with either some Irish music or a Yankees game on. His wife and children will have loving and fond memories of the vacations, the apples by the fire on Sunday nights and his rock solid demeanor, always there with his broad shoulder to lean on. Jim was active in several local social organizations. He was a volunteer at St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls and Castle Point Veterans Hospital. He also was an active member of the Elk's BPOE #2609, Wappingers Falls Knights of Columbus #1646, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Kevin Barry Irish Club. The family would like to thank Vassar Brothers Medical Center for their care and compassion over the last several years, especially the nursing staff. Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 7, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, August 8th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Avenue in Hawthorne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James' name to St. Mary's School, 2 Convent Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or Graymoor: Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, PO Box 300, Garrison, NY 10524. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.