Obituary: Michael P. McGill

Michael P. McGill, of Glastonbury, CT, passed away April 23, 2012 following his long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Mike was born July 11, 1939 to Madeline and Francis McGill in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. Mike had many fond memories and much pride from growing up in the Bronx with his family and the cousins in the Reilly family. He attended St. Helena’s High School before going on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Iona College in New Rochelle. He continued his studies at Columbia University, obtaining master’s degrees in education and philosophy as well as a master’s degree in social work from SUNY Stony Brook. Mike’s varied career path included teaching high school English at Holy Cross High School and working in college admissions at the New York Institute of Technology and Iona College. He then became a social worker later in life and opened a private practice where he helped many people.

Mike moved to Glen Head in 1969 with his previous wife Diane where they raised their four children. He remained in the North Shore area until retiring in 1996 when he then moved to Florida. He only stayed briefly before returning to the northeast to live on Cape Cod, then finally settling in Connecticut. Mike enjoyed reading and keeping up with current events. He could always be found with the daily section of the New York Times. Mike was a true student who enjoyed the rigors of academia. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, wry wit and great storytelling.

Mike was predeceased by his eldest son Michael; he is survived by his long-time partner Marie Lalone of Brewster, NY; his daughter Jane of Southampton, NY; his son Timothy, wife Jean, grandchildren Brenna and Patrick of Chatham, MA; his daughter Patricia, husband Michael, grandchildren Jack and Daniel of Glastonbury, CT; his brother Kevin, wife Elizabeth of Manhattan; and his brother Brian, wife Doreen of Edgewater, MD. He is also survived by nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be held on May 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. with a service at 3 p.m. at the Whitting Funeral Home, 300 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Independent Group Home Living Foundation (www.ighl.org) where his daughter Jane has resided for many years.