My cousin, Jack Pendergast, has passed away. He is survived by his wife Vicki and two children, Kay and Dan. And he is mourned and celebrated in America, in Ireland, and throughout the world. Jack was a Coughlin relative, a descendant of Daniel Coghlin and Mary Crowley Coghlin, who emigrated from West County Cork, Ireland, with their children Jeremiah, Bartholemew, Catherine, and Cornelius some time around 1858. They settled in Scipio, Cayuga County, New York (on Cork Road!), where they farmed in the beautiful Finger Lake country of New York State. Two of their children, Jeremiah and Bart, fought for the Union in the Civil War, while my great grandfather, Cornelius, the youngest in the family, stayed at home and helped around the farm. Jack is a descendant of Bart Coughlin.
Jack served his country during the tense years of the Cold War (and has written about some of remarkable experiences in Europe during those years). For his service to his country, Jack will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in October.
Jack spent many years as the Secretary of the international music association called, in Irish Gaelic, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. He spent considerable time in Ireland and will be profoundly missed by Irish men and women around the world for all he gave to Irish music.
Jack Pendergast was an extraordinary American and a great Irishman. His likes will never be seen again. Slán Abhaile, a Jack!
May perpetual light shine upon Jack. Amen!
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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I am the great grandneice of "Uncle Jack". My grandmother is Vickie's sister. Thank you so much for your tribute. He will be greatly missed. Thanks again.
~Sarah Schroeder
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