John Joseph McGonagle Jr.

John Joseph “Jack” McGonagle, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family as he went home to the Lord.

Jack was born on December 15, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, to his parents, Alice Tryborn McGonagle and John McGonagle. He was of Irish Catholic faith. Known affectionately as “Jackie” or simply “Jack,” he spent his early years in Brooklyn and graduated from Public School 138 on June 29, 1951.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958. Shortly after his service, Jack married his childhood friend and the love of his life, Anna Bottcher, on November 29, 1958, in New York, New York.

Jack worked in the electronics field with a telephone company and later for the railroad, dedicating many years to his career. Outside of work, he enjoyed woodworking, trying his luck at gambling, and visiting casinos—especially spending time in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He also found comfort in watching television and relaxing at home in his favorite chair.

More than 20 years ago, Jack moved to Idaho with his beloved “fur babies” to be closer to family. He made his home with his cousin Pete and Pete’s wife, Beverly, sharing many years filled with laughter and family life. He often joked about being “the third musketeer,” a role he embraced with humor and love. Fulfilling his final wish, Jack will be laid to rest alongside Pete and Beverly.

Jack enjoyed family gatherings, trips to Las Vegas and Jackpot, Nevada, movie nights, and holiday celebrations with visits from Santa Claus. He treated Pete and Beverly’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as his own. He will be remembered as a good man—loving, caring, and full of humor.

He is survived by his brother Charlie McGonagle, cousin Pete Tryborn, and extended family in New York and Idaho. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna McGonagle, son John “Jonny” McGonagle, parents John McGonagle Sr. and Alice Tryborn McGonagle, brothers William and Richard McGonagle, and his special angel Beverly Ann Tryborn.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Veterans Hospital in Boise, Idaho, for their loving care and compassion, and for the dignity and respect shown to Jack during his care.