Thomas Mcgohey

Thomas White McGohey, 96, of Brevard, passed away on September 4, 2022 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC. A native of Manhattan, New Yok City, New York, he was the son of the late Hon. John F.X. McGohey and Margaret White McGohey. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Anne McGohey and his second wife of 17 years, Pamela McGohey.

Three words capture the core character of Tom McGohey: New York, Irish, Catholic. But he was greater than the sum of his parts. Born at 6 Perry Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, and raised in Rockaway, Queens, he attended Francis Xavier Prep School, and after three years’ service in the Navy in World War II, he attended Fordham College. He graduated with degrees in Philosophy and Economics. New York taught him a diligent and demanding approach to business. From his Irish family he acquired his wit and eloquence and a love of storytelling, truthful and otherwise. In school, his Jesuit teachers and professors taught spiritual devotion and respect for the intellect. All of these influences served him well as an award-winning salesman and regional sales manager for Scott Paper Co. for thirty years. His passions were numerous, starting with books, in particular Irish and American history.

A rabid sports fan, he enjoyed golf the most, despite a stubbornly high handicap score. Notre Dame football was a close second in his heart. Prints of his favorite artist, Andrew Wyeth, covered his walls. He relished spirited debate, especially over politics and sports, but welcomed all topics. His faith and devotion to Sacred Heart Catholic Church formed an unshakeable foundation of his life. He served as a lector for nearly 35 years, and as a tireless advocate and fundraiser for charitable causes, especially for retired nuns in need of affordable shelter. He enjoyed travel, highlighted by three trips to Ireland and one to Alaska. He loved being a “regular” around town, with golfing pals at the Connestee Falls course club house, and with cherished friends at Falls Landing Restaurant, where he had a standing Friday evening reservation. His heroes were Winston Churchill, Vince Lombardi (fellow Fordham alum), and Thomas Jefferson, whose examples instilled in him the virtues of vision, discipline, and commitment to ideals.

His survivors include his three children: Mary McCausland, Charles McGohey and Thomas McGohey, Jr.; three grandchildren: Megan McCausland, Matthew and spouse, Jaclyn, McCausland, Patrick and spouse, Elsabeth, McGohey; five great-grandchildren: Madison, Marley, Summer McCausland, Alice and Dorothy McGohey. A Memorial Mass for Thomas McGohey will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard with Father Shawn O’Neal officiating.

The family requests donations be made to Elizabeth House Four Seasons Hospice. To leave a condolence for the family of Thomas McGohey, please visit “Tributes” at www.mooreblanchard.com Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family