Peter C. McHale

At Casey-O'Neill Funeral Home Oakville

WATERTOWN – Mr. Peter C. McHale, 87, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022 at his home. He was the widower of Kathleen (Horner) McHale, the love of his life for 55 years, before her passing on March 26, 2014.

Peter was born in Silgo, Ireland on July 8, 1934 the son of the late Peter and Mary (McDonagh) McHale. He was educated in Ireland and obtained an engineering degree in mechanical and electrical engineering from University College, Dublin in June 1957. He emigrated to Buffalo, New York in 1957 where he worked there for two years for Westinghouse Electric designing motors, generators and control systems. He then returned to Ireland in April, 1959 to be united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen. They both returned to America, South Euclid, Ohio, where Peter worked for Electric Products as a design engineer for 9 years and they started a family. Peter coached little league baseball in South Euclid for 5 years.

They then moved to Watertown in 1968 and he worked as a design engineer for Electronic Specialty of Thomaston, now Ward Leonard Electric. Peter has been retired since 1999.

Besides a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. Peter was an avid golfer, however he would say not very good at it! He was a member of the Watertown Lions Club from 1981 until the date of his passing. He was treasurer of the organization for over 20 years and obtained numerous honors from the Watertown Lions Club. Peter was honored with A Melvin Jones Fellow, Knight of the Blind, Ambassador of Sight, Lion of the Year, and made a Life Time Member, among may more awards. Peter was a very dedicated Lion and a very giving person to the Watertown Community and gave selflessly of his time.

Peter always looked forward to his bi-annual trips to Ireland with his wife and family. He also loved to go to the Casino. Many summers were spent in Cape Cod and he enjoyed that as well. His favorite place on earth was Gyles Quay, Ireland. He wished with all his heart he could spend his last years in Ireland at the Quay.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memories are his children; Brian (Robyn) McHale of Stratford, Barbara Holub of Waterbury, Sheila E. Caruso of Watertown, and Ann Marie (Dominick) Violano of Seymour. Grandchildren; Jessica Caruso of Watertown, Ryan Holub-Ward of Michigan, Colleen Holub of Waterbury, Shannon (McHale) Navarro of Stratford, Courtney McHale of Stratford, Peter Violano, Adam Violano and Miranda Violano all of Seymour. His first great grandchild, Peyton Sophia, he adored her and treasured the moments he had with her. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews in Ireland, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands. He was predeceased by his three sisters; Maeve Walsh, Patricia Cunningham and Etna McEvoy.

He appreciated all the care he was given and thanks his very giving neighbors who helped him over the past few years and his care givers, especially the Watertown VNA and Assisted Living in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Relatives and friends may visit with the McHale family on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 4:00 till 7:00 pm at the O’Neill Funeral Home, 742 Main Street Oakville, CT 06779. Funeral Services for Mr. McHale will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10:00 am, at Saint John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main Street, Watertown. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. In lieu of flowers, Peter was a very generous man and gave to many charities during his life, so his wish was that donations were made on his behalf to one of the following charities; The Watertown Lions Club, P.O. Box 281, Watertown, CT 06795, the Kids Wish Network ( https://www.kidswishnetwork.org/ ), and the American Lung Association. Condolences or fond memories of Peter can also be shared on the funeral home tribute page at www.oneillfuneralhome.com .