New York philanthropist had deep roots in Mayo
Dr Bill O'Dwyer was tremendously proud of his family ties to Mayo.
Legendary New York leader and philanthropist Dr William (Bill) O’Dwyer has died aged 89. He had strong Mayo roots.
Bill’s late father, Paul O’Dwyer, founded the O’Dwyer Cheshire Home in Bohola in 1976, which is commemorating its fiftieth anniversary this year. Paul O'Dwyer was born in Bohola in 1907 before emigrating to the United States.
Like his father, Bill was a regular visitor to his native Mayo.
Swinford-based Pat O’Connor, a director of the O’Dwyer Foundation in Ireland, paid tribute to Bill describing him “as a great Irish American and proud Mayo man”.
Mr O’Connor said: “Prior to his death on August 9, it would have given Bill some comfort to know that his family’s ancestral county had won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship after such a long gap of 75 years."
Bill's uncle and namesake, William O'Dwyer, was Mayor of New York in 1947 when the All-Ireland Senior Football Final was staged in the Polo Grounds in New York, the only time the GAA showpiece has been held overseas. William O'Dwyer also sponsored the Mayo team's two historic trips to the United States in 1932 and 1937, the latter taking place to mark Mayo's first All-Ireland Senior Championship victory.
Mr O'Connor said Dr Bill O'Dwyer had continued in his family's tradition of making an enormous contribution to Ireland.
“Bill leaves behind a legacy of deep values, charitable involvement, and philanthropic endowments. He was hugely supportive of many charities throughout Ireland as well as in New York and throughout the Irish community in the United States."
A tribute to the late paediatrician, published in the newspaper, praised his commitment to caring for others which extended well beyond medicine, his professional career.
“He loved connecting with people, gave generously of himself to others, and asked little in return beyond their companionship.
“Whether he was caring for a patient, helping his community, or spending time with family and friends, he wanted to make life a little better for those around him."
In addition to his wife, Carole, Bill is survived by his daughters Kerry (Chip) Marrano and Deirdre (Michael) Ladd; six grandchildren, Ryan (Kelsey), Connie, and Ricky (Ali) Marrano, Jack, Patrick, and Declan Ladd, two great-grandchildren, James and Will Marrano, and his brothers Rory and Brian (a director of Ireland West Airport).
Burial has taken place at Saratoga National Cemetery, New York.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Mayo at a later date.
