Obituary of James L. McCluskey

James L. McCluskey, a resident of Wappingers Falls for 49 years, entered into rest Friday, March 25, 2016 at The Pines at Poughkeepsie. He was 75. Son of the late Thomas and Marjorie McLaughlin McCluskey, he was born April 2, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He married the former Joan B. Krause on April 1, 1967 at St. Josaphat's Church in Philadelphia. They were looking forward to celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary. Mrs. McCluskey survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Jim graduated from Drexel University and went on to attend NYU. He worked as an engineer with IBM for 35 years, retiring in August of 2001. He worked in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and 6 months in 1971/72 in Germany as a special liaison. Jim was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls where he was an usher at the 7:30 mass. He also attended mass Mount Alvernia and the Monastery of the Poor Clares, both in Wappingers Falls. Jim was known for his Friday walks at Mt. Alvernia with his dogs, first Dixie and Paddy and now Patrick. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Wappingers Falls. He loved dogs, and took care of the neighborhood dogs and the neighbor's houses. Jim liked sports, especially watching soccer and major games like the NCAA playoffs or Super Bowl. He was a whiz on the internet, connecting with many longtime friends. In addition to his devoted wife, he is survived by his dog and companion, Patrick; his brother, Thomas McCluskey (Mary) of Port St. Lucie, FL; his sisters, Nancy Gross of Ocean City, NJ and Shelia Rudisill (William) of Charlotte, North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Clement and Owen; and sisters, Eileen Curry and Marjorie Lynch. Family will receive their friends on Friday, April 1, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Entombment will follow in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, South Avenue in Poughkeepsie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538 or Mt. Alvernia, 157 Delavergne Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or the Monastery of the Poor Clares, 70 Nelson Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Joan would like to especially thank the Orefice Family for all their kindness and compassion that they have shown both Jim and Joan. They have become part of the family. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.