James O'Toole

Upon graduating from Cardinal Hayes in 1945 Jim promptly signed up for the military and served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He joined the New York City Police Department in 1953 where he was so proud to wear that uniform. In 1961 he found a new passion, becoming a career firefighter with the New York Fire Department and was stationed at Engine 38 Ladder 51 in the Bronx. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church for over forty years and an active member in the Congers #2 Senior Center. He will be remembered for his quick wit, and sense of humor, his talent as a storyteller and living his life with no regrets. He wasn't the life of the party.....he was the party.

Jim was blessed with the love of his life for 62 years - his beloved Dorothy who predeceased him in 2018 and whose loss he never recovered from. He leaves behind four children, Jimmy (Lisa), Kevin (Geraldine), Tom (Kathleen) and MaryBeth (Paul). He was the loving Poppy to Brian, Devon, Lilly, Shane, Dylan, Patrick, Christopher, Sarah, Bridget, Sarah and Joseph. He is survived by his beloved brother Dennis (Kathy), his brother-in-law Dutch and sister-in-law Carol, He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends. Our family would also like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Lesa for her care, support, comfort and the dignity she always afforded him.

We would rather celebrate Jim than mourn him. He loved swimming in the ocean and enjoyed fishing trips. He loved when friends told him he looked like Ted Williams. Well wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a can of Schaefer beer and drink it in his honor. We will miss him but will have many stories to share. May he continue to protect us from above.

Visitation from 3-7Pm Thursday at Higgins Funeral Home Congers, NY.

Service Friday 10am at the Funeral Home interment to follow Gethsemane

Cemetery Rockland Lake, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.

The family regrets that due to protective COVID-19 restrictions funeral services will be private