John D. Gilroy

John Donald Gilroy, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, died at home on April 29, 2006, at the age of 96, of age-related illnesses. He was born in Maquoketa, IA on January 9, 1910, to Peter Simon and Nellie O’Connor Gilroy, the youngest of three sons. The family soon moved from Lost Nation, IA to Bettendorf, IA, where they operated a “truck” farm, producing apples, vegetables and poultry. He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and the old St. Ambrose Academy. He then attended St. Ambrose College and Rutgers University, studying electrical engineering, including early work on the country’s atomic bomb efforts. Under the direction of Monsignor Cletus Madsen, he sang in the Ambrose Choir, which one year won top honors at the Chicago Music Festival. During World War II he served in the Air Force as waist gunner in a B-17 bomber. He flew 35 missions over France and Germany, rising to the rank of Sergeant and earning four bronze stars and a silver cluster. After the war he sold insurance, retiring in 1975. John met his future wife at Davenport’s “Col” Ballroom. He married Dorothy Jean Jordan, of Davenport, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport on September 27, 1947. They were married for 57 years and had four children. John loved classical music. He played piano by ear and sang at weddings. He directed the Our Lady of Lourdes choir in Bettendorf for several years and was a longtime choir member. An avid genealogist, he produced a comprehensive family history. He enjoyed computers, photography, dogs, fine beer, local and national politics. In retirement, he and Dorothy visited Europe twice – including Ireland (the beloved homeland of their ancestors), then-Western Germany (where they wrote on the Berlin Wall) and Mexico. John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Frances (“Bill”) Gilroy (of New York City) and James Gilroy (of Des Moines, IA). He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, four children – son James Gilroy (and wife Debra Mattson Gilroy), daughters Marjorie “Maggie” Gilroy and Mary Gilroy – all of Minneapolis, MN, and son Dr. John “Jack” Gilroy, Jr. – of Chicago, grandson, Brian Farmer (and partner Lesley Taylor), and great granddaughter, Kaidence Farmer-Taylor – all of Minneapolis. Funeral services will be held at our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 3, 2006. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose University in Davenport. Burial will be held Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. His humor, curiosity and love of life will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.