Longford's man in New York: Late Mike Prunty opened his doors to many people

Michael (Mike) Prunty passed away on December 9, 2024, after a short illness from complications of pneumonia. He had been a rare, long-term successful heart pump (LVAD) patient, revered by his medical team at Mount Sinai. Michael was 83 years old.

Mike was born on December 15, 1940, in Ballincurry, Drumlish, County Longford, Ireland. He was the fourth child and the first son born to Michael Prunty and Ellen Doonan.

Mike came to New York from Ireland on June 28, 1959, and lived with his sister Mary and her husband, Gabriel Armstrong, in the Bronx. His sister Bernadette was also living in New York at that time. A hard worker all his life, Mike had landed a job in building services, starting the very next day after his arrival, a fact he often relished telling his grandchildren when reflecting on his new journey in America.

For the next several decades, Mike spent his life working in various trades of the building management industry.  He quite literally worked his way not only up, but around all particular aspects of building management. Many of his colleagues have stated over the years that no one in the Building Management Association could hold a candle to Mike’s level of expertise.  

As dedicated as he was to his work, Mike was equally immersed in all things Irish within the growing immigrant community in New York City. He leveraged his connections in building management so that he could secure jobs for his fellow native Irishmen coming across the sea for a better way of life. Mike encouraged many of those new friends to join the Longford Football Club and the County Longford Association, the latter of which he served faithfully for many decades, most notably as their President. In fact, his leadership role as President is said to be the longest of any serving member in the Association’s 133-year history.  Mike also served dutifully as an officer in the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and President of the United Irish Counties (UIC).

Above all of these endeavors relished by Mike, his family held his utmost devotion and the greatest part of his gigantic heart. Mike was married to the former Elizabeth Kenny of Clontumpher, Ballinalee, County Longford since April 23, 1966, a 58-year love story and great partnership. Together, Mike and Liz had three children: Michael (Missy), Michelle (Michael), and Kevin (Carrie), and their beloved grandchildren: Madison, Michael, and Max Prunty; Michael, Colin, Fiona, Brendan, Mariah, and Deirdre Delaney; and Chase, Rhys, and Cole Prunty.

The Patriarch of a large, devoted family, Mike is survived not only by his wife, children, and grandchildren, but also his cherished siblings: sisters Mary (Gabriel RIP) and Bernadette (Pat RIP); his brothers John (Liz), Joe (Kathleen); his sisters-in-law Bridie (Mike) Lane and Patricia Kenny; his brothers-in-law Denis (Sheila) Kenny, John (Rose) Kenny, Mickey (Bridie) Kenny; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Mike is predeceased by his loving sisters Teresa (Pierce) Ronan and Angela (Paddy) Macken. A Patriarch also of the Longford community, he will be sorely missed by all those blessed to have known and loved him.   

PICTURES | A memorable Longford night out in New York

The late Mike Prunty will lie in repose at Wyman Fisher Funeral Home, 100 Franklin Ave, Pearl River NY 10965 on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.

Funeral takes place on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10am in St Aedan’s Church, 23 Reld Drive, Pearl River NY, 10965.

In lieu of flowers, donations on behalf of Michael Prunty can be made to: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Memo: Heart Failure Research, EIN: 13-6171197/Phone: 646-618-5723/Attn: Jackie Mark, Mount Sinai Health System, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1049, New York, NY 10029