Thomas E. McCormack, age 78, of the Bronx, New York, died peacefully in his home on March, 27, 2016. Thomas was born on August 22, 1937 to Joseph and Katherine McCormack in Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, one of eleven children. He graduated from St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny City, and shortly after left home for London. Then started an adventure of a lifetime, when he took a position as a waiter on a cruise ship where he traveled around the world. Having seen the world, he chose New York City, where he took a job as a waiter at the World’s Fair Restaurant in 1964.
Two years later, in spite of the fierce county rivalry, he met a Tipperary woman, Kitty D’Arcy, and in February of 1967 they were married in the Bronx. Thomas is survived by Kitty McCormack (D’Arcy), his wife of 49 years, his three sons, John (and Alison) McCormack, Thomas (and Sarah) McCormack, and Kieran (and Ellen) McCormack. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren.
Thomas is pre-deceased by his oldest son, Joseph McCormack.
While he left Ireland at the age of 19, Thomas frequently returned back to his birthplace, especially when his mother was still alive. And when he couldn’t bring his family to Ireland, it was the Catskills or Rockaway Beach.
Thomas worked for over 30 years with the NY Telephone Company – eventually Verizon - before retiring in 1999. Thomas and Kitty enjoyed their retirement, with trips to Ireland, Australia, France, as well as several cruises. When Thomas was back home, he spent most of his time being a fixture on the sidelines for all his grandkids events – Gaelic Football, Soccer, Football, Baseball, Softball, Track, Theater, Cheerleading, Music recitals – no matter what the event, he was there watching his grandkids with pride.
Thomas was an avid fan of hurling and could be found on McLean Avenue or up at the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club, cheering on his Kilkenny Cats as the captured their several All-Ireland Championships. In 2010, Kitty had reason to cheer, as Tipperary stopped Kilkenny from obtaining a record five consecutive All Irelands. Despite the disappointment, Thomas was able to watch them re-capture the title in four of the next five years.