Island Park Library honors Edward ‘Doc’ McGann’

The Island Park Public Library held its annual Flag Day celebration and dedicated a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the late Edward “Doc” McGann at a ceremony on June 15. The event began at 10 a.m. and the Boy Scouts of America troops 215B, 215G, and Cub Scouts pack 51 performed the flag ceremony and raised the new American flag. After the ceremony concluded, the crowd moved inside for the dedication of the AED.

Edward McGann was a beloved figure in the Island Park community, serving the Island Park Fire Department for over 70 years. From 1963-64 he served as chief of the department.

“Mr. McGann lived a life that was marked by absolute service and absolute love to this community. His dedication to our village, the fire department, his parish, his family and our nation was unwavering was unfaltering,” Library Trustee John Byrne said.

Byrne pointed out the appropriateness of holding the Flag Day celebration at the same time as the dedication because McGann had always flown two flags outside of his home, one facing the street, and another facing the bay. John McGann served with his wife Geraldine on the library’s Labor Day games committee for many years and was a Catholic Youth Organization sports coach for his church.

“(The AED) is a testament that in Island Park we do not forget those who go before us. We always honor and we always remember,” Byrne said.

During the dedication, speakers reminisced and shared some of their experiences with McGann with the attendees. Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, an Island Park native, spoke fondly about growing up just across the street from McGann, seeing the dedication he had to his family firsthand.

“I think what’s most awesome about Doc is I got to see again from just 100 feet away, the amazing husband, the amazing father, and the amazing grandfather he was and there was nothing that he loved more than his family,” D’Esposito said.

D’Esposito commended McGann’s character and reminded the room of McGann’s selflessness and giving nature, both to others and himself personally.

“You know, Doc McGann is the guy who when my family was really down and out, he was there to lift us up and show us the way,” D’Esposito said. In addition to the congressman, Chief Eric Gorton of the Island Park Fire Department also said a few words in honor of Edward McGann.

“The one word that resonated with Doc was community. He did so much for so many and that will live on forever,” Gorton said.