John Murray McNally,70, of Newington, passed away at home on Friday, February 19, 2016. Born in Hartford on April 17, 1945 to the late Gertrude Dully McNally and Edward F. McNally Jr., he graduated from Bulkeley High in 1964 and shortly thereafter served honorably with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. After military service, he returned to settle in West Hartford and then moved to Newington. John retired from the Southern New England Telephone Company after thirty years of service. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother and best friend, Edward F. McNally III, know to all as "Ned". John leaves behind his sister, Ann McNally Walrod and her husband, Larry Walrod; his niece, Amy Walrod and her young son, Lucas McLaughlin; two nephews, Michael Walrod and Mark Walrod and his wife, Hilary and their baby, Kai Emerson Walrod. Upon notice of his death, his nephew Mike proudly and tearfully characterized his uncle as "So engaged with the world, he always had an opinion but never tried to impose his ideas on others-tough as nails, but never flexing, a man who thoughtfully considered the evidence, saw to the heart of any plot, scandal, or political intrigue, but loved all within his reach in a quiet, subtle way." From the earliest days, John was a rabid sports fan who loved the Boston Red Sox, professional football, and UCONN basketball. John always treasured a 2001 letter sent to him from Dan Doucette for "unblemished, undying, team loyalty!" He seized every opportunity to plan new adventures and travelled throughout the country with family and friends. He always enjoyed exploring new sights, hiking, swimming and meeting new people. Funeral procession will be Thursday, (February 25), 9:15 am from the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am in the Church of St. Mary, 626 Willard Ave., Newington. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Calling hours will be Wednesday, (February 24), from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.