Soraghan, Owen J. “Bud” Jr.

ALBANY- Owen J. “Bud” Soraghan, Jr., 76, entered Eternal Life on June 26, 2017 with his loving family and the Lord by his side.

Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Owen J. Soraghan and Marguerite (Feeley) Soraghan. Survived by his wife of over 53 years, Rosemary (Travis) Soraghan, the love of his life, and best friend. Rosemary gave meaning and purpose to Bud’s life and he cherished their life journey and loving partnership together. Bud often stated he considered his marriage to be truly a blessing and a beautiful gift.

Bud had a great love for his family and was strengthened, and sustained by them. His wife, children and grandchildren were the most important thing in his life and the source of great happiness and pride.

He is the father of Kenneth Owen (Linda Mary) Soraghan and Patricia Lynn (David) Thomas and predeceased by his beloved daughter Shannon Eileen, who died of Cystic Fibrosis in 1975 at age 5. Bud passed on the same date Shannon was born, June 26. He is grandfather of Nicholas A. Thomas, Kylie A. Thomas, Alexander C. Thomas and Evan A. Soraghan. Also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Eileen M. Soraghan Gerwin, who is survived by her spouse Edward F. Gerwin.

A 1959 graduate of Vincentian Institute, he attended Hudson Valley Community College and Siena College.

Owen was a proud U. S. Air Force Vietnam War veteran and attained the rank of Sergeant. He served four years with the Combat Security Police and was honorably discharged on May 19, 1967. He was a life member and former board member of Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans and member of Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520, American Legion, Albany. He was also a life member of Rev. Francis A. Kelley Chapter #38, Disabled American Veterans, Troy, and a member of La Societe Des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, 40 & 8 Veterans Association. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr. Henry Tansey Division #5, Albany;Past President of the Northeastern New York Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Past Regional Vice President of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for NY, NJ, MA, CT. He was also Past President of the Albany County Pistol Club. Owen was a Certified Pistol and Self Defense Instructor, and previously served as Albany County Coordinator for the pistol instructors group.

A Lector and Eucharistic Minister for over 25 years at The Church of St. Francis of Assisi (formerly St. James) in Albany from where he was a lifelong parishioner. He served on the Pastoral Council, and was a former President of the Home School Association.

Owen was the subject of an over 9-year extensive investigation by the Vatican into his possible miraculous healing in January 2008. The investigation is now complete, and awaiting a formal determination and announcement by the Church.

Owen was employed for 23 years by Sterling Drug, Inc. in various management positions, and employed by Prudential Healthcare and Aetna Insurance Company for over 23 years.

He was a supporter of Notre Dame athletics and was an ardent fan of the New York Mets and New York Giants.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and other medical staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and the doctors who assisted in contributing to Owen’s unlikely survival for all the years following his 2008 heart attack.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bud’s family Friday, June 30, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. His funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 8:45 am from the funeral home thence to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send contributions to Holy Cross Family Ministries, 518 Washington St., North Easton, MA02356 (http://www.hcfm.org).