James Thomas Kilroy

James Thomas Kilroy passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 79.

Jim was born on June 19, 1946, in New York, New York, to James Kilroy and Alice (Rehill) Kilroy, the son of Irish immigrants. He was raised in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City alongside his siblings, an upbringing that helped shape the values and character that guided him throughout his life.

Jim married Patricia (McCarthy) Kilroy on November 7, 1970, in New York. They shared a marriage of more than fifty-five years, marked by devotion to one another and a deep commitment to their family. After starting their family, Jim and Patricia’s life together took them to several places across the country. They lived in Tappan, New York; New Orleans, Louisiana; Petaluma, California; and Cohasset, Massachusetts, building friendships and memories in each community along the way. Jim shared a special bond with the Horigan family and their sons and remained close to many lifelong friends and their families.

Jim attended Manhattan College, where he was a proud Jasper and remained actively involved with the college as an alumnus. After graduating, he served for several years as a reservist in the United States Marine Corps.

Jim had a 35-year career with ITT Sheraton, later part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he built a respected career in the hospitality industry, travelled the world, and formed many lasting professional relationships.

Jim enjoyed playing golf, and his travels afforded him the opportunity to play with family, friends, and colleagues at many wonderful courses in the United States and around the world. He was an avid reader who followed the news closely and read widely, from espionage and mystery novels to nonfiction, with a particular interest in Irish history. Jim also had a deep love of Irish music, and on weekends he could often be found listening to the Irish Hit Parade.

He especially loved time spent in places and traditions that brought family and friends together, including summer vacations at Lake Tahoe, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade each Thanksgiving morning.

Jim dedicated many years to fundraising for the Jimmy Fund, helping support the lifesaving research and patient care provided by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John Kilroy, and John’s wife, Jeanie Kilroy.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (McCarthy) Kilroy of Scituate, Massachusetts; his children, Kevin and Katie Kilroy of Raleigh, North Carolina, Brian and Gillian Kilroy of San Mateo, California, and Colin Kilroy of San Francisco, California; his grandchildren, Caitlin and Abigail Kilroy, and Fiona and Quinn Kilroy; and his sisters, Kathleen (Kilroy) Taylor (Richard) and Marion (Kilroy) Flaherty (Dennis). He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Betty Barnett.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 160 South Main Street, Cohasset, Massachusetts, located directly across the street from St. Anthony’s Church. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 10 Summer Street, Cohasset, Massachusetts. A gathering in the parish hall will take place after the service, and all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Jim may be made to Croí Health Charitable Fund www.croihealth.org or The Jimmy Fund www.jimmyfund.org