John Farina - "Poppy," as our family called him, JJ, that a lot of his friends called him, and of course "Hey, Farina!!" by close family relatives, lived a full Life. Poppy Passed away on June 23rd at 1:10 am at the age of 94. He fought Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to the very end.
John Farina, Poppy, is survived by his wife, Mary, of 71 years and his two children, Angela, and Frank. He has 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and he loved them all so much. John was proud to have served in The U.S. Army, in which he enlisted in 1944, and he has his medals to prove it! After serving for 2 years, he enrolled in a vocational school to become a plumber, though he decided it wasn't for him. Instead, he found himself working at the Smiling Brothers Fruit and Vegetable Store in the Bronx, where and managed one of their stores.
Around this time, he met the love of his life, Mary LaSorsa, and became determined to find a more secure job. It was then that he began his career with the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). He joined the Sanitation Police and worked in New York City for the next 23 years. During his time with DSNY, he gained an interest in sales. He decided to leave and work at Dictograph, where he sold fire and burglar alarms. Later on, he was able to incorporate his hobbies into his career when he began selling cars, which he did for over a decade.
After he retired, John and Mary moved to Florida, and they began to travel the world. He was proud to start the first Bocce Ball Club in his community, where he served as the first President of the organization. I still have the Bocce Balls that were passed on to him from his father and then to me. I could go on for several pages of stories about his life. I would sit with him, and he would tell me stories of growing up in Harlem, war stories, and all the other stories one can gain over the course of such a long life. As a kid. I didn't always know it then; these stories all had a lesson plan to teach me about love and life. He is the last of the "Tough Guys" and we will miss him.
Edward Francis O-Reilly - In loving memory, we mourn the loss of Edward Francis O'Reilly, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ed passed away on June 19, 2023, at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 20 days young, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as the family Patriarch.
He was born on June 29, 1938, in the Bronx to Edward "Pete" and Kathryn (Redmond) O'Reilly. He spent his formative years in Mamaroneck, N.Y., where he grew up as the eldest of four siblings. Ed attended Most Holy Trinity School, and even in Kindergarten, he was recognized as the Student Most Likely to Succeed. He graduated from Archbishop Stepinac High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Iona University, where he was later honored with The Brother Arthur A. Loftus Award for Outstanding Achievement, served on their board, and has a scholarship named in his honor.
In 1973, Ed married the love of his life, Joanne, and together they created a beautiful life in the Mamaroneck/Larchmont area and later in Westport, CT, where they raised their children.
Known for his firm yet compassionate demeanor, Ed always prioritized his family above all else. He cherished his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Affectionately known by several nicknames such as Eddie, Big Ed, Rip, Prince of Fairness, Poppy, and Pop Pop, he was adored by many. He shared a special bond with an incredible group of friends from his Mamaroneck days, including Bill Draddy, Paul Cunningham, John Hanley, and Joe DelGuercio. Ed enjoyed the simple pleasures of entertaining and grilling for loved ones at his Paddy O' Bar or boating excursions to his favorite spots in Westport and Florida. Additionally, Ed partnered with his closest friends in three Westchester establishments: Gus's, Carl's, and the Larchmont Tavern.
Professionally, Ed’s humble beginnings were marked by the purchase of his first route from The Seven-Up Bottling Company of New York in 1962, rising to Vice President of Marketing. He went on to become President of RC Cola and ultimately joined The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors before retiring. During his tenure, Ed pitched the revolutionary "diet" version of Coke to The Coca-Cola Company. The launch of Diet Coke took place at Radio City Music Hall on July 29, 1982, and it quickly became the world's most popular low-calorie soda, a title it still holds today. For his outstanding contributions, Ed was honored as Beverage Man of the Year that same year.
Winged Foot Golf Club was sacred to Ed, his sanctuary, and the embodiment of his lifelong passion for golf. Growing up "down the hill" from the club, Ed spent a decade as a young caddy before achieving his dream of becoming a member in 1974. Ed's dedication to the club led him to serve as its President from 1988 to 1991, leaving an indelible mark on the institution. Over his 48 years at Winged Foot, he forged strong connections, considering its members and staff as his extended family. Ed, a single-digit handicap golfer, found immense joy in the sport and cherished the camaraderie it fostered, whether playing on a modest local municipal track or at the most prestigious and exclusive clubs.
Ed's departure has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who held him dear. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Joanne (Giordano), and his six children and their spouses: Jennifer, Kelly and Buck (French), Kathryn, Peter and Jesse, Erin and Dan (Redgate), and Richard. Ed took great pride in being a loving and incredibly proud grandfather to his seven adored grandchildren: Keleigh and Spencer Brockman, Reilly French, Kathryn and Liam Redgate, and Myles and Edward Theodore O'Reilly. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard O'Reilly, and is survived by his brother Peter (Susie) O'Reilly and sister Kathy (Patrick) Ryan. Ed also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.
Edward Francis O'Reilly's memory will forever live on in our hearts, minds, and on the golf course. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the MGA Caddie Scholarship Fund (MGACSF), a cause close to Ed's heart. Donations can be made at: https://www.caddiescholarship.org/donation/
Joseph Vincent Fraioli of Pound Ridge and Stamford, CT. died unexpectedly on June 12, 2023 at the age of 25. Joseph was born to Dan and Denise (née Zingaro) Fraioli. He was a graduate of Fox Lane High School and Tulane University where he majored in business administration. Throughout his childhood and high school years, Joe was an avid baseball player and contributed to his team’s many victories. Outside of baseball, he was surrounded by a big group of close-knit friends. In college, Joseph turned his dedication to his fraternity brothers when he joined Sigma Epsilon where he made life-long friendships. Most recently, Joseph was Director of Project Development for his family’s business, Air Structures American Technologies (ASATI). Joe consistently delivered creativity and ingenuity to his work, and he never failed to foster strong relationships with his customers. While in the office, Joe was known to be a dependable source of good humor and endless laughter for his ASATI family. Outside of his career, Joe carried his love of sports towards both watching, and practicing, MMA, and boxing. Above all, Joseph loved spending time with friends and family. He always jumped on the opportunity for a good meal at a great restaurant and was a reliable source of entertainment for anyone who was lucky enough to join him. Along with his good nature, Joe was most known for his unconditional loyalty and devotion to his family. He is the beloved son of Dan and Denise (née Zingaro) Fraioli, cherished brother of Donato and Vincent, devoted grandson of Dan and Rosemarie Fraioli and Mary and the late Joseph Zingaro. He is also survived by his uncles Joseph Zingaro and John Zingaro and cousins Gianna and Bianca Zingaro.
Mary Jill Byron - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Jill Byron, (née Fischer) September 8, 1952-June 11, 2023. Mary Jill was born in New Rochelle, NY to Edward and Helen Fischer (née Killeen). Mary Jill worked in early childhood education for the entire span of her career. She enjoyed crocheting: she crocheted hundreds of blankets for Project Linus, a charitable organization that provides blankets for children in need. She also enjoyed visiting the Marshlands of Rye and spending time with her family, especially with her two grandsons.
Whenever she said, “Aww”, you knew she enjoyed whatever you gave her as a token of love. Mary Jill Byron will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her sons, William Byron Jr. and Christopher Byron, her daughters-in-law Erin and Janiceia, her siblings, James Fischer and Mary Beth Santoro, her beautiful grandchildren, Quinn and James, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be greatly missed, and the family thanks you for your condolences.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Calvary Hospital: https://fund.calvaryhospital.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/ and/or Project Linus: https://www.projectlinus.org/donate.php
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