James "Jimmy" Michael Friel, Summerfield, FL, previously of Westbrookville, NY, entered into Paradise on Thursday, January 2, 2025. He was 82 years old.
The son of the late James Friel of Donegal, Ireland and Margaret Sullivan of Galway, Ireland, Jim was born December 18, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY. Jimmy served three years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. During his service he was designated a Sharpshooter, and received the rank of Corporal. Upon his return to the States, Jim met Eileen Connelly of the Bronx. He was immediately enamored with her. Within one month of their first date, he proposed marriage and on October 2, 1965, they wed.
After 25 years at Yellow Freight in Maybrook, Jimmy retired to Summerfield, Florida. An adventurer and lover of travel, he enjoyed many things during his life and specifically while retired including attending baseball games at every
MLB stadium, flying gliders, and traveling the world with the love of his life.
In addition to his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by his sister, Maureen Sehen of Hollis, NY, brother-in-law Peter Sehen, sister Nancy (Anna) Flores of Middletown, NY, brother-in-law Aurelio Flores, brother Charles (Charlie) O'Friel of Holtsville, NY, sister-in-law Mary (Penny) O'Friel and brother-in-law William Russertt. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Eileen, daughter Linda Barr of Milford, PA, son-in-law Michael Barr, son Christopher Friel of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter-in-law TinaSue Friel, grandchildren Austin Friel, Dallas Friel, Chloe Stone and fiancé Sean Bailo, Aidan Stone, Kyrie Turnbull (Daniel), Michael Barr, Jr., Samantha Moffitt (Robert) and Jonathon Barr, along with one great-granddaughter, Aria Moffitt. He is also survived by sister Margaret Guilfoyle of Margate, FL, brother-in-law Lawrence Guilfoyle, sister Kathleen Friel Russertt of Bayport, NY and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation with be held Monday, January 13 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home,130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY from 3-6pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 14 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 45 Highland Avenue, Otisville, NY at 11:00am. Interment will immediately follow at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road Goshen, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made in James' name to St. Jude's Hospital via stjude.org.
To plant a tree in memory of James Michael Friel, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
13
Jan
130 Highland Ave.
Middletown, NY 10940
Service
14
Jan
Highland Avenue
Otisville, NY 10963
Graveside
14
Jan
111 Craigville Road
Goshen, NY 10924