Redmond A. Bermingham
Redmond “Ray” A. Bermingham, born in Ireland on January 6, 1944, to Jack and Nell Bermingham, died on August 11. Family will receive visitors on Friday, August 15 at the Yorktown Funeral Home from 3 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Church of the Holy Spirit in Cortlandt Manor at 11:15 a.m.
In Peekskill, he was a pillar of the Irish American community and was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Parade in 2010. He was involved in the former Quiet Man Pub on N. Division Street and his extensive sports memorabilia collection was displayed throughout his former restaurnt, The Stadium in Garrison, NY.
Ray grew up in Shanballymore and Ballyshonack, County Cork. He was a proud Corkman through and through. After spending a year in England, he emigrated to the United States in 1964.Not long after, he was drafted and served proudly in the United States Army in Vietnam.
In 1967, Ray met his Cavan girl, Bridget Little, and it was love at first sight. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage in 1968, and together they raised two children, Sean and Eileen.
Ray built a career in finance, working with Smith Barney and providing independent financial consulting, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him in a new direction. In 1987, he opened James’ Gate, an Irish pub in Woodside, Queens, which became a beloved gathering place until its closing in June 1997. More than a businessman, Ray was a mentor to countless Irish newcomers chasing the American dream. He and Bridget opened their home and hearts to anyone in need of a place to stay. He established strong roots in the Irish community in Peekskill where he was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Ray was an avid hurler, a gifted singer, and a lover of Irish music. His presence always drew a crowd. He loved a good seisiún, a bit of craic and a pint of Murphy’s, but more than anything he will be remembered for his rich voice, which will resonate in the hearts of many for years to come.
Peekskill resident Joe Brady, who is vacationing in Ireland, told the Herald Ray was an “absolute Vietnam hero in the army.”
In addition to being a greeter at the Stadium in Garrison, Brady said that Bermingham along with his wife Bridget always left their door open to anyone, especially Irish immigrants that needed support.
“He was always ready to break out the song, good hearty laugh, a storyteller,” Brady said, “Just a great guy to be around, always laughing and enjoying sensational company. We’re going to miss him. He was a very powerful force with our St. Patrick’s Committee and the [Ancient Order of Hibernians.]”
Ray is survived by his wife Bridget, their children Sean (Ann) and Eileen, his brother Walter, and his sister Eleanor. Ray was the proudest Pop to Shane (Erica), Denis, Gavin, Bridget (Michael), Jack, Kyle, Brady, and Niall.
