Age 94

Beloved husband of the late Catherine. Loving dad of Ann, John (Bronac), Henry 'Harry' (Leanne), and Thomas. Cherished grandpa of Sean, Jared, Ryan, Megan, Conor, Erin, and the late Meidhbhin. Dear brother of Marie Loughlin. He was very dearly loved by many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends and will be deeply missed.

Our Father was the third of four children born to John Edward McAuley and Cathrine McAuley (Smyth) on July 9 ^th , 1928.  Thomas and Margaret (Greta), were the older siblings and Marie, the younger sister.  He grew up in 58 Dunville street, a historic area of west Belfast bordered by the Falls Road and Grosvenor road and attended St. Finian's Primary school.

As a youth, he played both hurling and Gaelic football, often reciting stories and "play by play" actions of both the games played and historic enemies encountered on the playing fields. He served his apprenticeship at Harland and Wolff Shipyard and began his apprenticeship within the Engineering Works as a "messenger boy" for the engineering house.

In 1954, he followed his brother to N. America residing in Windsor, Canada. He eventually joined Thomas in Garden City, Michigan. As he began to put down roots , the tug of home was always present; unsure of whether to stay or return to his family in Ireland. When he did return to Ireland, it was to attend his younger sister's wedding.

While there, former employers heard he was home and offered positions to return to work. He was both flattered and grateful of the offers, but decided to return to the USA for one more go. Before leaving, he told his mother he would give it six months, and if things didn't work out, return home.

Our father didn't return home. In 1956-57 he met our mother Catherine (Brogan). Mom had immigrated from Scotland (Coatbridge), and while attending a dance with her sister Mary, met our father.

After a short courtship, they were married and had the first of four children (Ann, followed by John, Henry and Thomas).  As they raised their family, our father was employed as a toolmaker for General Motors Fleetwood retiring at 57 years of age. He lost the love of his life February 28 ^th , 2010.  Our Mother was 79 when she passed away, Dad was 82 at the time.

Our father died on December 20 ^th , 2022 at 3:00 PM. He was 94 ½ years old. To sum up his long life in a few short sentences is impossible. However, we shall try to give you a flavor of what this man was and what he meant to so many people.

Our father lived his life on his terms. He was 6'.2", a strong man and enjoyed life to the full. Socially, he loved a good dance, party or singsong. He could sing himself when the notion took him. He loved to travel and ensured his children visited both his homeland and Mom's. He loved Scotland and my Mom's family visiting as often as they could. He was a religious man, attending Mass regularly, but could also put the "fear of God" into you if he so chose. He could be as "hard as nails" or soft as butter depending upon the situation, but he also loved. He just relied on Mom to show it for the both of them.

He loved Ireland. He loved growing up there and the love of his family as a child. He often spoke of it recalling visits to Newcastle and other places, told stories of both funny and sad characters that he knew and experiences that occurred throughout his youth and before he immigrated. He loved a good yarn or chat, usually accompanied with Jameson's and a pint of lager.

He was a hard worker and talented. In the 1970"s , he was a member of the Irish Northern Aid Committee and became president of the Detroit Chapter raising funds and organizing events. He could turn his hands to almost anything often repairing vehicles or home conducting home repair himself.

94 years on this earth is a long time, but in truth, not nearly long enough for us or those that loved him. We shall miss his humor, his stories, and his laugh. For us, he was the rock of the family and in many ways shall continue to be. He taught us well. Rest in peace Dad until we see each other again in God's good time. Forever in our hearts….

Visitation Tuesday 2-7pm with a 7pm Rosary at John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City. (Between Ford Road and Cherry Hill.) In state Wednesday 9:30am until the 10am Funeral Service at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 31530 Beechwood (at Merriman Road, 2 blocks north of Ford Rd.).

Memorials suggested to St. Jude.