Bernard J. McGorrey, Jr., a 57 year resident of Southampton, passed away on Aug. 18, 2018. He was 86. He was born and raised in the Swampoodle neighborhood of Phila., where he developed his quintessential Phila. accent.

Bernie attended George Clymer Grammar School and graduated with the 95th class of Northeast Manual H.S. in 1950 with training as a patternmaker. While serving in the PA National Guard, Cpl. McGorrey was activated during the Korean conflict and served his country at Camp Atterbury, IN. Following his discharge, he applied for training with Bell of PA with the GI Bill. After training for 4000 hrs., he began a 35 yr. career, starting as a splicer's helper, then advancing to Service Foreman for the Waverly and Germantown districts. Following retirement, among the many home projects, he and several former employees of Bell, in conjunction with IBEW, supplied upgraded telephone lines to VA Hospitals, when the Federal Gov't. could not find the funding. Bernie was a very bright man with curiosity and many talents. He was skilled in carpentry, woodworking, plumbing, electrical and auto repairs.

Bernie was deeply loved by his family and respected by his coworkers. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra (Mohacey); his children, Bernard (Susan), Joseph (Marla), Michael (Patrice) and Susan Sparks (John); grandchildren, Ronald (Amber), and Thomas (Emily) Sparks, Patrick (Elise), Kevin, Matt, Timothy, Daniel, Ian and Molly McGorrey; great grandchildren, Layla Sparks and Oliver Wisti-Sparksi; and his sister, Florence.

The McGorrey family is grateful to the doctors and nurses at UPenn Hosp., Fox Chase Cancer Center, Majestic Oaks, PowerBack Rehab Center and Abington Hospital for their loving support this past year.

Bernie's family will receive relatives and friends on Mon., Aug. 27, 2018 from 10 to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 611 Knowles Ave., Southampton, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00. Interment with Military Honors will be at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown. In lieu of flowers, the McGorrey family has requested donations in Bernie's name be made to the American Heart Assoc., Great Rivers Affiliate, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693 or heart.org or Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K Str., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 or melanoma.org. Condolences may be sent to the McGorrey family by visiting www.McGheeFuneralHome.com.