John Aloysius Mullally slept on away from us on Sunday, March 25, 2012. He was 95 years old. The last living grandchild of Irish immigrants Michael and Mary Mullally, John was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law and friend. Most of all, John was a gentleman. Like the kind you see in those old black and white movies. What a privilege to have known him!
On June 30, 2012, that would have been his 96th birthday, family members from the States and around the world gathered to celebrate his life and to mourn his passing in a manner that he would have appreciated. John loved a party. I remember him laughing, joking, taking us for long rides on roads in Sullivan County, New York that he knew like the back of his hand, building our son’s first snowman, helping strangers and dancing. I remember him dancing.
A really hot day! Hours after this barbecue, a freak land hurricane hit the D.C. area, knocking down mature trees and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Bizarre.
Christine, an engineer, created the most beautiful salads I have ever seen. The lady has an eye and incredible taste!
The colors popped!
John’s three sons all look like him. So Irish! So cute 🙂
Two of John’s granddaughters. Beautiful girls.
I just got off the plane this morning and I can’t believe I’m posting. One more picture. Back in the day, we spent a whole day in Beijing’s Hard Rock Cafe, into the night with my husband’s cousin and his lovely wife Kathy. Unforgettable.
So nice to see everyone!
Cooking in Sens 
John looks like quite a character and a big family barbecue sounds like a great way to remember him.
We are going to miss him so much!
I can’t think a better way to celebrate the love for somebody who isn’t here anymore, all together. I’m sure he would love it. It’s nice to rememeber him that way.
What an amazing man and what a fine family. Very moving post and good to see you back in France. I have some funny tales to tell you about the Hard Rock one of these days:)
He was that. So glad to be back. I don’t want to go again until I can cook in my own kitchen!
So sorry for your loss. 😦
Thank you Alison.
Lovely post. Made me think of those I have loved and lost.
Thank you Anna.
We all seem to be remembering people – funny how a similar thread can run through the blogs without realizing it. Food looks so colorful and delicious, makes me hungry and I’m stlll full from yesterday.
I think it’s during the summer when families can come together for the members they have lost during the year, or that’s the way it was for us.
That’s true with us as well.
What wonderful tribute, and such a great way to celebrate him.
A wonderful tribute to a gentleman! My grandmother was born in the same year (she died 3 years ago) – what changes they saw in their lifetimes.