Obituary of Francis McConaghy

With sadness, the family of Francis McConaghy announces his passing on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the Veteran’s Health Unit. He was born in Fredericton, NB in 1921 and was the son of William J. and Isabella (Melville) McConaghy. After graduation he attended Officers Training and served in Canada with the Saint John Fusiliers. While serving in British Columbia he volunteered with the Canloan Officers Association and served in Europe with the Middlesex Regiment until the end of the war. Returning to Fredericton, he spent many years with the Militia, attached to the 1st Battalion Royal New Brunswick Regiment, retiring with the rank of Major. While living in Fredericton, he spent eleven years as a City Alderman, serving one year as Deputy Mayor. In 1970 he joined the Federal Government Services and moved to St. Johns, NF and later to Halifax. Upon retirement, he and his wife Edith settled in Oxford, NS, and while living there he renewed his interest in municipal politics. He served three years as town councilor and nine years as Mayor. He was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of Confederation in 1993. He was a lifetime elder of the Presbyterian Church. In May 2006, he became a resident of the Veteran’s Health Unit, Priestman Street, and spent his remaining days there, with the kind and caring attention of the wonderful staff. He is survived by his wife, Edith (Sewell) McConaghy; daughter, Kathryn (Arthur) Arseneau; son, David (Barbara Swazey) of Moncton, NB; nine much loved grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Jarvis and Mabel Rodgman both of Toronto, ON. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Jane Pineo; infant sister, Helen and sister, Mae Loftus. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 2 until 3 pm, time of the Memorial Service with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 are asked to assemble at the funeral home for a Legion Tribute Service just prior to the Memorial Service. Interment will take place in Fredericton Rural Extension Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer Society or the Veteran’s Health Unit. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com