Obituary of James McBrearty

James McBrearty Jr., 72, of Melville, New York, passed away on April 25, 2021. Loving husband of 50 years of Rita (Harney) and proud father of Christine Lewis (Greg), Jean Zegarek (Brian), James III (Nicole), and Katlyn Tanney (Scott). Brother of Patricia, Peter (dec.), Kathleen Rzya (Stephen) and Thomas (Stephanie), son of Audrey and James (dec.) Beloved “Papa” to Jamie, Evan, Maddie, Shannon, James IV, Ani, Skylar, Jack, and baby Tanney. He was a valiant Marine Corps veteran who served his country bravely in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was an agent in the U.S. Customs Service for 28 years, and Jim was named Disabled Federal Employee of the year in 1988. He had a large appetite for life, a love of all things Hawaiian, and a hearty sense of humor. Jim enjoyed hosting large gatherings of family and friends and this hospitality will be remembered with love and gratitude for all of the good times at “Casa McBrearty”. He will be missed. Semper Fi, James. Visitation at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m on Thursday, April 29th and a Mass of Resurrection at St.Matthew R.C. Church Dix Hills on April 30, at 9:45 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to: USO www.uso.org in James' name would be greatly appreciated by the family. Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.