OSWEGO, NY – James P. Comerford, 52, a resident of 52 E. Oneida St., Oswego, passed away Saturday evening July 31, 2010, at the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown after becoming ill while camping with friends and family at Southwick Beach State Park.
He was born in Oswego and was the son of Frances Malott Comerford of Oswego and the late Joseph Comerford.
He was the husband of Kathleen Smegelsky Comerford.
Mr. Comerford was a 30-year veteran of the Oswego Police Department and was promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2005.
He attended St. John’s School and was a graduate of Oswego High School and Onondaga Community College Police Academy.
He began his career with the Oswego Police Department in December of 1980 and was previously employed at the FitzPatrick Nuclear Plant.
Mr. Comerford was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Fraternal Order of Police.
He was very active in local youth organizations.
He coached in the Leprechaun Basketball League, Oswego Little League, Oswego Youth Basketball League and Oswego Youth Soccer League.
He was a Communicant of St. Paul’s Church and taught Religious Education at St. Paul’s Academy.
Mr. Comerford touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two daughters, MacKenzie (Scott) Verburg of Mildenhall, England and Caitlin (Stephen Carroll) Comerford of Oswego; one son, Colin Comerford of Oswego; two brothers, Joseph (Mary) Comerford and Michael (Cathy Swiech) Comerford both of Oswego; three sisters, Anne Corbett of Huntington Beach, Calif., Lynn Comerford of Fulton and Casey (George) Walpole of Oswego; his mother-in-law, Ann Smegelsky of Oswego; a brother-in-law, James (JoAnn) Smegelsky of Oswego; a sister-in-law, Mary (Pat) Virginia of Warners, NY; an uncle that he considered to be a brother-in-law, David “Gibby†(Carolyn) Thompson of Oswego; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church.
Calling hours will be Wednesday 4-8 p.m. at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.
Burial services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Contributions may be made to Trinity Catholic School, 115 E. Fifth St., Oswego, NY 13126.
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Dear Lynn & Family – I was so sorry to read about the loss of your brother. Even though I have been gone from Oswego for 37 years I still remember all your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I think of you often.
Linda Palmer Osborne
San Diego Ca
We are so very sorry for your loss… We are unable to attend the services, but know our thoughts and prayers are with youand your family…. Jamie was a wonderful man and police officer…. He will always be remembered in our hearts….
Sorry for your loss Kathleen. Have thought of you throughout the years.
Anne O’Dwyer Rentz
San Diego, CA
Kathleen…we’re so sorry for your loss. Jamie and I had a great time playing baseball while growing up in Oswego. He obviously had an impact on others and remained loyal to his family, friends, and community. God’s Blessings…Dan & Kathy France (Dayton, OH)
Kathleen, I am so sorry for your loss. We are not going to be able to get back for the services but, know that our prayers are with you and the kids. Jamie was a Great guy and I wish we all could have done more.. God Bless You and The Kids
Ben Smegelsky
Cocoa, Fl.
Kathleen, I have no words to comfort but I hope that time and memories heal your heart…my thoughts are with you and your family.
Kathleen, so sorry for your loss, I am out of state right now, but am thinking of you and my prayers are with you and your family.
Anne Starbuck
Raleigh NC
Kathleen so sorry for your loss you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers .
Tammy Cook Hermitage,TN
kathleen so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Tammy Cook Hermitage,Tn
KATHLEEN AND FAMILY…….
Sorry for your loss , I hope our prayers help in your healing.He was A wonderful MAN.
bless you all
Sam and Barb Domicolo
To Kathleen & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Capt. Comerford was a great guy & police officer. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed a lot and never be for gotten.
Deepest Sympathy from,
Coordinator of Oswego Neighborhood Watch Program Betty Gray
Kathleen,
May God bless you and comfort your family in this time of grief. Know that friends far and wide, and from years gone by, have you in thier prayers.
Chris Carver
Victoria, British Columbia
My condolences to the Comerford family. I went to Oswego High with Jamie and have many fond memories of him. He was a great man and will be missed by all who were privileged to know him. Prayers and blessings to all.
Sincerely,
Maggie Read