McANULTY, James P
April 24, 1927 – March 3, 2019
Our beloved family patriarch, James Patrick McAnulty, of Smithtown (formerly of Westbury), on March 3, 2019, at the age of 91.
James (Jim) was born on April 24, 1927, in Palmyra, NJ, the youngest of six children, to John and Edna McAnulty.
Jim was a star athlete in high school, including NJ state champion in multiple track and field events. After high school, he joined the US Army towards the end of WWII. He returned from war, attending Villanova University for two years before joining the Air Force. Jim trained fighter pilots for the Korean War, and continued as a USAF pilot after the war, stationed in numerous states and Panama, until joining the Federal Aviation Administration and settling down in Westbury, LI.
Jim married Anna M. Strohlein (deceased), of Riverton, NJ, on March 6, 1954. They were loving and devoted parents to eight children; James (Anna), Peter (Jean), Mary Ann Banko (James), Paul (Carol), Kathleen Hertzberg (Alan), John (Jenny), Colleen Plonski (Michael) and Kevin (Stacy). Cherished grandparents of nineteen; Laura, John, Michael, Christine, Lisa, Peter Charles, Matthew, Barbara, James Banko, Jonathan Banko, Justin Banko, Sean Hertzberg, Daniel Hertzberg, Melissa, Caitlin, Lance Plonski, Kimberly Plonski, Ryan, and Charlotte. Beloved great grand parents to Hannah McAnuty, Julia Hertzberg, and Harrison Hertzberg.
Besides family, Jim loved airplanes, motorcycles, cars, watches, and sweets, especially ice cream. He rode a motorcycle well into his 80s. He tinkered with cars and made sure his children could do basic car maintenance before sending them off to college with one of his fixed-up cars. He loved traveling and surprising his children with trinkets from far-away places. He planted fruit trees and would have an annual garden with strawberries, tomatoes, and vegetables. Anna used the fruit for jams, jellies, and the best cherry pies ever, to the delight and enjoyment of the family. The strawberries were frequently used for his favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake. Jim passed on his sweet tooth to his children.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Monday March 11, at 11 AM, at St. Brigid’s RC Church Westbury, NY. Interment of cremains to follow in L.I. National Cemetery Farmingdale, NY. Arrangements entrusted to Donohue Cecere FH 290 Post Ave. Westbury NY 516-333-0615. www.donohue-cecere.com
In lieu of flowers, a donation The Alzheimer Foundation is appreciated.
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