Obituary of Peter J. Naughton

Peter J. Naughton, 65, of Rome, NY, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, February 6, 2022 after a brief illness and while surrounded by his loving wife, son, and daughter. He was born on March 25,1956 to Peter Naughton and Julia Naughton née Vesey in Brooklyn, New York. The family moved to the Inwood neighborhood of Northern Manhattan and were active members of the Irish community there. Pete was a talented Gaelic football player, playing with the Good Shepherd Football Club, and he also played American football for Fordham Preparatory School (Class of 1974). He attended Manhattan College before beginning his career with New York State. Pete married the love of his life, Mary Ellen McGarry, on November 4, 1978 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine church in Bronx, NY, and they were blessed with two children. The family moved to Rome, NY in 1988 where he lived until his passing. Beloved Father to Peter M. (Elizabeth; Fayetteville, NY) and Erin (David; Walpole, MA), Pete loved being a Grandfather to James (8), Paul (6), Charlotte (5), Elliott (3), and Joshua (10 months). In 2011, Pete retired as the Deputy Superintendent for Security at Oneida Correctional Facility, capping off 34 years of service in the New York State Department of Corrections. Additionally, he cherished his many years operating the carbon arc movie projectors at the Capitol Theatre in Rome, NY. Pete’s sense of humor was unparalleled. He was a proud first-generation Irish American, a history buff, and was never happier than when beating his family at Jeopardy. He was a devoted fan of the New York Giants, Rangers, and Mets, and he and his family enjoyed many happy years cheering on hockey teams in Utica (Bulldogs, Blizzard, Prowlers, and the Comets) and Syracuse (Crunch). A talented musician, he could make a keyboard sing and he enjoyed a wide variety of music (even more so if he was wishing you Sláinte with a pint, or some Red Breast or Jameson in hand). In his passing, Pete is reunited with his parents, Peter and Julia, and many beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins who preceded him to their eternal rest. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him including brothers-in-law Bill, John, Michael, and Jimmy, his nieces, nephews and two Goddaughters, best friends John, George, and Brian, and many special cousins who were like siblings to him. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 13, 2022 from 4pm – 7pm at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, 418 N. George Street, Rome, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Church, 5748 Stokes Lee Center Rd, Lee Center, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Save of the Day Foundation (www.SaveOfTheDay.org) or a charity of your choice. The Naughton family would like all who plan to attend the visitation and/or Mass please consider wearing a mask or face covering.