Matthew Faughnan

Matthew Faughnan of Ellenville, New York died December 18, 2013 at Achieve Rehab & Nursing Facility in Liberty, New York. He was 88. Matthew, born in the Village of Drumlish, North County Longford, Ireland, was the youngest of ten brothers and the last surviving member of the family.

He met his future wife, Annie Josephine Lavin, nearly 70 years ago back in Ireland. Annie Josephine recently passed away on November 14, 2013.  Matthew was a custom tailor by trade and a proprietor of his own tailor shop-- Matthew’s Custom Tailors, Ltd.--in Brooklyn, New York.

Matthew came to America on an ocean liner in November 1955 to pursue the American dream for his family of three children: Evelyn, Patricia, and Kevin. He worked in a tailor shop in Brooklyn and also worked a second job for the New York Telephone Company in order to save enough money to send for his family who also came to America on an ocean liner nine months later in July 1956. Living in Brooklyn, he eventually increased his family from three to seven by 1965: Joseph, Brendan, Anita, and Matthew.

Later, the couple retired and moved to Ellenville, NY where he opened another tailor shop and made many wonderful friends through the years. He had been an active member of his Church, St. Mary’s and St. Andrew's for many years belonging to the choir and Rosary Society. Everyone always mentioned his warm smile and his precious Irish accent.

He is survived by his seven children, twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and six step grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation for Matthew will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 on Sunday, December 22nd at Loucks Funeral Home, 79 No. Main St., Ellenville, NY A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10am on Monday at St. Mary’s & St Andrew's Church, Main St., Ellenville. Interment will follow at Fantinekill Cemetery, Route 209, Ellenville, NY.