Obituary of John Joseph Patrick Lenehan

The gift of eternal peace and rest was given to John Joseph Lenehan, who passed away on December 21, 2022, surrounded by his three loving daughters. John was affectionately known by many names, including Jack, Jackie, John DeDapper, Dad, and, his favorite title, “Pop Pop”. Everyone he met couldn’t help but notice his kind soul, gentle spirit, and infectious smile. Some might say that the famous lyrics, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, They’ll Steal Your Heart Away, were composed about this special Irish lad.

John was very proud of his heritage, raised by his County Galway father and County Offaly mother in the Bronx New York. His love of all things Irish will continue to be passed to the generations to come. He was a man of strong faith and did not need to shout it from the hills because he lived it every day. He was a family man at heart. He was Blessed with 34 years of marriage to his beautiful bride Elizabeth Mary, who predeceased him in 2006. He was a devoted father of three loving, amazing, gorgeous, talented, charming, fabulous daughters, Ann (definitely the favorite), Kathleen (probably the second favorite), and Elizabeth Anne (didn’t have a chance). He enjoyed the added camaraderie provided by his loving son-in-laws Chris, Al, and Justin. Most importantly he adored his four grandchildren Maggie, Willow, Ray, and Landon, and could not have loved them more.  

John was a generous man and never asked for anything in return. Whether he was donating blood, volunteering his time, or serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church in Hartsdale, NY where he was a longtime parishioner, or donating to numerous charities, John's empathy and compassion to others was evident. On top of that, he was brilliant and spent much of his career working for the NYS DOT as a civil engineer.

John found value in the simple things in life, shouldn’t we all? He was a die-hard NY sports fan, especially Giants, Rangers, and Mets. He enjoyed lounging in his lawn chair in the backyard on a quiet Sunday afternoon, reading the newspaper and listening to the Fordham radio Irish show. He loved celebrating holidays, birthdays, and graduations. Honestly, any excuse to have a party or gathering that included a beer in a cold mug worked for him. Many of these happy memories were shared with his daughter's friends over the years, he was just a fun guy to be around and everyone enjoyed his company. He also fancied spending time with his sister-in-law Teresa O’Brien, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the US and Ireland. He was predeceased by crazy sister Marie earlier this year, it should be a bang-up party in heaven with the entire crew he is joining there. 

In his final years, John had challenges related to the effects of dementia. Even so, he found a way to let his Irish spirit shine through, with an often mischievous grin or the glint in his Irish eyes. He never lost that smile that could light up a room. He had no doubt in the grace of our loving God and had an unwavering faith that was powerful beyond words.

While obviously saddened by his loss, the fact that John is at peace, and will be reunited with his love Elizabeth in heaven this Christmas provides much comfort.

The family would like to acknowledge the kindness of many people over the past years, particularly many of the team at the Atria in Briarcliff and Greenburgh Senior Center, his caregivers George and Leticia Membreno, who loved Dad as their own, as well as Dr. Michelle Espinoza a true Guardian Angel walking among us.

Please consider a donation in John's honor to the Comfort Care Program at Phelps Hospital.   

Donations may be made online to Comfort Care Program at Phelps Hospital or by check to “Phelps Hospital” Development Office, Attn: Jill Scibilia, 1Phelps Lane, Suite 106, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.

Slainte Dad! Up the field Galway. Until we meet again…..

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 10:00 am at Church of the Sacred Heart, 11 Lawton Avenue, Hartsdale, NY.

Interment to follow at Ferncliff Cemeterty, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale, NY.