NEW ROCHELLE, NY — John “Jay” O’Meara of Pelham NY, died suddenly at his home on December 22, 2015. He is survived by his loving wife Linda (nee Emanuel), and his 3 greatest gifts, his children Lauren, John Patrick “JP”, and Christopher. He is also survived by siblings Patrick (Wendie), Chris (Andrea), Mary Wiltse (Kevin), James (Alice), and Karen Gardner (John), aunt Mary Theresa Farren, cousins Missy, Tony, and Sue Anne, parents-in-law John and Peggy Emanuel, sister-in-law Diane Sammons (Dave), brother-in-law John Emanual (Jennifer), nineteen adored nieces and nephews, and countless loving friends. He is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Johanna O’Meara. Jay was a proud graduate of Holy Family, Iona Prep and Iona College. After working for some time at the New York Stock Exchange, Jay became a successful entrepreneur, launching a number of businesses with partners, beginning with several bars & restaurants in NYC and elsewhere. He also hosted a radio talk show and created a humorous internet personality known as Gripe Daddy. In addition, he founded and served as CEO of Green Team Taxi and was a partner in other ground transportation ventures. Jay was a giant of a person in every aspect of his life. He had an enormous presence, an unparalleled gift for humor, and was a talented vocalist who would break into song at random times and places, to the delight of all people within earshot. Jay had no shortage of strong views on every subject, and was always willing to share those views, no matter who the audience. His generosity was unsurpassed, he was loved deeply, and he will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched. To honor Jay’s life, family and friends will gather on Saturday 6:00-8:00pm and Sunday 2:00-6:00pm at COXE & GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME, 767 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY. The funeral mass will be held 10am Monday December 28, 2015 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 575 Fowler Ave., Pelham, NY. Committal will be private. In lieu of flowers the family strongly requests that donations be made in Jay’s name to the American Heart Association (American Heart Association , PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241, https://www.donatenow.heart.org).
