Joseph F. McNally's Obituary
Remembering Joseph McNally
It is with great sadness that family and friends share the passing of Rehoboth Beach Resident Joseph Francis McNally, 66, who died from the devastating effects of Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) on October 30, 2012.
As in life, Joseph McNally handled this disease with strength, grace and charm. For those that were fortunate to call him friend, it was his easy smile and kind heart that will be missed most.
Joe was born May 8, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA to Louise and Joseph McNally. Raised in South Philadelphia, Joe attended St. Monica’s Parish Elementary School, Bishop Newman High School, and graduated from LaSalle College with a degree in Business Administration.
Upon graduation, Mr. McNally served in the US Army, during the Vietnam War as an infantryman. A medaled soldier, he spent 14 months in the fields of Vietnam, and in 1970, left the Army with distinguished honors.
Returning home in 1970, Mr. McNally was hired by the Department of Health for the city of Philadelphia as Administrative Assistant. After 30 years, he retired as the Personnel Officer for the entire Department of Public Health.
In 2002, after 2 years spent building their dream home, Joe, and his partner Terry Jones, moved to Rehoboth Beach. While Rehoboth was home, a passion for travel took them from the deserts of Palm Springs to the salt waters of the Mediterranean.
Joe loved discovering the ambiance of romantic cultures around the world with Terry. Adventure drew them to places where they could immerse themselves into the local culture. Whether in cafes on the cobblestone streets of Rome drinking coffee, or evenings spent sipping wine along the Champs E’lyseese, Joe had found his true love, both in exploring the world and with Terry.
A pioneer amongst his friends, Joe lead many over the past 28 years to enjoy his favorite getaway in Puerto Vallarta. The contrast of sun-filled days spent relaxing on the beach against the rhythmic sounds of music under starry nights, is what attracted Joe to their second home in PV. The community he created by sharing this special place, will long remember him for his light and gentility.
Joe is survived by his loving partner of 30 years, Terry Jones, sister Louise and her husband Tom Forte, sister Mary Ann McNally, sister in-law Denise McNally, his two great aunts Helen Killeen and Elizabeth Hee along with his niece and four nephews and their children.
A viewing will be held for Joe on Tuesday, November 6th from 6:00-9:00pm at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 106961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 7th at 11:00 AM where viewing will also be held beginning at 10 AM.
Those wishing to celebrate Joe’s life may send flowers to Parsell Funeral Home in Lewes, DE. Donations are welcome and may be sent to ALS of greater Philadelphia Under Rehoboth beach Walk for ALS Team Joe's Trooper in honor of Joe McNally, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002
Please sign the online guestbook at this site.
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