Joseph Andrew “Sonny” McGlynn, age 96, of West Chester, PA, passed away on October 23, 2024.
Born in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland in 1928, Joseph was the son of the late Patrick and Anne (nee Crerand) McGlynn.
Joseph was the beloved husband of Mary Teresa (nee Harkin) McGlynn; loving father of Joseph McGlynn (Debora), Hugh Michael McGlynn (the late Terri), John McGlynn, Sharon Paff (Tom), and Deirdre Kelly (Brennan); caring grandfather of Bryan McGlynn (Kristen), Kristin Maitland (Danny), Erin D’avanzo (Joey), Shanna Goldenbusky (Tony), Michael McGlynn (Emily), Courtney McChesney (Sean), Joseph Thomas Paff (Jen), Aidan Kelly, Pearse Kelly and great-grandfather of Jamisyn McGlynn, Gavin McGlynn, Mason McGlynn, Maeve Goldenbusky, Nori McGlynn, Nial McGlynn, Gracie McChesney, Brooklynn Maitland, Bryce Maitland, and Frankie D’avanzo; dear brother of Danny McGlynn of Letterkenny Ireland; predeceased by his siblings Jim, Nellie, Patrick, Eddie, Bridget, Theresa, Hugh, Tony, and Kevin.
From a young age, Dad taught us the value of hard work through his own unwavering example. He believed that a strong work ethic was not just important, but profoundly rewarding. He was a man of his word, and his integrity shaped our family values.
Family was everything to him. He cherished the bonds we shared and made it a priority to keep our family close. Before he left Ireland in 1953 to come the US, he made a promise to his father-in-law that he would bring Mary, our mother, back to Ireland to visit (as many who left rarely returned). He honored that promise, returning again and again creating beautiful memories for all of us along the way. His commitment to bringing us allowed us to forge meaningful connections with all of our Irish cousins and deepen our roots.
Dad was a responsible provider who believed in the power of education. He made sure that each of us had the opportunity to pursue our dreams through education without hesitation.
He was an entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial spirit began at the age of ten, in Letterkenny, Ireland working on their family farm, and butcher shops. He was a paperboy, law firm delivery post boy and picked blackberries to get paid by the weight. In his teens, he drove a semi-truck transporting goods from the North of Ireland to the South where he took it upon himself to have his own “side business” importing Butter and Cigarettes to the South (where these items were hard to get). He was the first UBER. Dances were very big in Ireland back in the day, and in the country, taxis were not an easy option. In his teens, mid 1940’s, he earned enough to buy a van. He was going to the dance of course, but he wasn’t one to spend the whole night dancing. So, he would pick people up and drop them off at the dance. They would pay him so much per person. He then stayed at the dance, had fun, would do the same with a few trips after the dance.
In 1953, he wanted to see what was across the Pond. He took Mary and off they went. He worked from butchering to sales for Swift and Company for 20 + years. Simultaneously, in 1969, opened his own butcher shop, Glen-Nor Butcher Shop (run by Mary our Mom, AKA Mary the Butcher). In 1974, purchased Ithan Food Market in Ithan PA, and in the late 1980’s, opened two restaurants in Galway, one showcasing Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and American fare (Phillies), the other a specialty café with deli food (Nifty Fifties). Even after retiring, he continued to run the Ithan Food Market for 20 years, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Dad was an avid reader, always staying informed by reading Barron’s, the Wall Street Journal daily and of course his Irish Echo. He loved the stock market and would often share his insights. We fondly remember our conversation once, imagining he should have his own talk show called “Irish Joe’s Corner,” where he would have shared his straightforward, honest takes on the market. No slants or biases. Ok, we admit it, probably the main reason for Dad going to Heaven is a chance to see if they have any better stock tips up there.
He had a gift for conversation—loved telling stories, an audience was optional. Dinner was the apex of etiquette, he taught us the proper way to mix the peas, carrots and gravy “Innnnn” the mashed potatoes and sometimes the meat.
At his core, Dad was a big kid at heart. The joy on his grandkids’ faces as they saw him approach the driveway was a testament to the love and warmth he brought into our lives. He had wit with many funny sayings. One Example- For large footed family members he would say “Hey Pal, you’ve got a good grip on the earth”. Another “I am not always right, but I am never wrong.”
We feel truly blessed to have had such a wonderful father who imparted invaluable lessons throughout our lives. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to guide us. Thank you, Dad, for everything. We love you.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 8:30-10:00 AM Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at St. Thomas of Villanova Rosemont Chapel, 1229 East Lancaster Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A Mother’s Wish Foundation (please specify donation is in honor/memory of Joseph McGlynn), that supports individuals and families battling Crohn’s Disease, https://amotherswishfoundation.org/.
