Obituary of James S. O'Grady

James Shaw O’Grady was greatly loved by his family and those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was also lovingly called Jim, Jimmy, Big Jim, Papa and Pazzie. He passed on from us on September 19, 2020 from complications of pneumonia. He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Suzanne Liebowitz O’Grady, and four children from his first marriage to his late wife, Mary Ellen Reiser O’Grady. His children include his son, James A. O’Grady(Cira), and three daughters, Mary Eileen Follano, Josephine A. Piontek (Billy), and Maureen E. Taylor (Mark). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Through his wife Suzanne he has also known the love of 5 stepchildren and her huge extended family. He was born and grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY, graduating from the Far Rockaway High School. From there he went overseas to serve in the Korean War as a military police officer and attaining the rank of corporal in the United States Army. Upon returning home he went to the police academy and served the communities of the Rockaways for 27 years as an officer in the 101st Precinct of the NYPD. After his retirement he continued to serve the people as a driver for the United States Postal Service for 13 years. He was a great lover of the ocean and sports. His favorite teams being the Islanders ice hockey, NY Giants football, and NY Mets baseball teams. It was their love of the Islanders that brought him and Sue together. As season ticket holders they would be recognized in public as the silver-haired Islanders fans, 6’6” Big Jim and 5’4” Sweet Sue. He was known for his kindness, gentleness, friendliness and great sense of humor. People that met him liked him right away and soon grew to love him. He will be greatly missed.