John McNally, Sr.
Mr. McNally is a presence on the field at Tottenvile HS Home & Away games. Everyone who knows John says the same thing, "I love hearing his stories." Some are stories of taking people under his wing just to see a smile on their face. Selfess service to others paved an unrivaled history of helping kids and young athletes.
A kid of 17 years young, John E. McNally enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950. Five years of traveling the globe brought him back at the age of 22 to marry his sweetheart, Elaine. That following day in November of 1955, he was sworn in as a member of the New York City Police Department. No surprise, a career choice helping others.
By 1960, he was the proud father of four. His heroic acts and professionalism in the NYPD accelerated him to First Grade Detective by the age of 26. His years of excellence in police work secured him an elite position as one of the Nation's Top Criminal Private Investigators in the 1970's, a title he still holds today.
He still managed to find time to give back to the community by coaching kids, sometimes right from work in his suit and tie. His experience as an athlete himself was an added bonus to every child he coached throughout the years. Proud of the times and their accomplishments, John & Elaine would treat the orphans of St. Michaels to a day home for a holiday or John might just play with the neighborhood kids. His encouragement to give children, including his six grandchildren, the drive to discover the best in themselves continues today.
Tragedy struck in 1981 when his son, John, was sadly taken in a fatal car crash. Devastated, he continued his work helping others, now in his son's name. John has year round support from his friends and family for his ever-succesful Golf Outing that benefits not only our Football Program, but many others as well. The John C. McNally Memorial Fund continues to touch the hearts of so many who would otherwise not be recignized or have the confidence to excel.
The "stories" continue and are shared with his good friends at Tottenville.