Obituary: Barney Lavelle, 85

Ossining resident Barney Lavelle passed on gracefully from this world while surrounded by family on July 26 at the age of 85.

Born in New York City on July 19 to Bernard and Ann Lavelle, Lavelle graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and St. John’s University.

“Barney loved God, his family and his country,” his obituary reads.

Lavelle was a China Marine from 1946 to 1948 and later worked with Whitehall/Wyeth Pharmaceuticals from 1969 to 1995 as the director of marketing and sales promotion.

He and his wife Eileen, who predeceased him in 1991, raised their five children in Yonkers.

An active community member, Lavelle was involved in St. John the Baptist where he was president of the Holy Name Society and director and coach of the children’s sports program.

Lavelle also joined the Knights of Columbus, China Marine  Society, VFW and the American Legion.

“Barney was a kind and generous man,” his obituary reads. “He was a giant among men. His wonderful sense of humor and radiant smile would light up a room. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and loved listening to Irish music.” 

His wife of 12 years, MaryEllen; his children Patricia Calderone, Brian Lavelle, Jay Lavelle, Dennis Lavelle and Marianne McInerney and their spouses; grandchildren; his brothers Peter and Myles Lavelle; and 22 nieces and nephews survive him.

Lavelle will be laid to rest at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at (866) 496-5462 or www.mcsf.org.

• This obituary is from Waterbury & Kelly of Briarcliff Manor, 1300 Pleasantville Rd. in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y (914-941-1600)