Dr. James “Jim” Kilroy

Dr. James “Jim” Joseph Kilroy, Psy.D., died Sunday, September 24, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s disease after a rapid five month decline in health. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Kilroy (née Monegan); daughter Katharine Kilroy Blaser; son Dr. Kevin Kilroy, MD; son-in-law Joseph Blaser; daughter-in-law Nicole Mader; his granddaughters Jessica Blaser and Lily Kilroy; and his sisters-in-law Kathleen Monegan and Theodora Magyar Monegan.

Dr. Kilroy, a first generation American, was born on July 8, 1940, in Manhattan, New York City, to James Kilroy and Mary Haran Kilroy, who immigrated to America from counties Mayo and Sligo, Ireland, respectively. He was raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn. He was preceded in death by his parents; his younger sister Margaret Rose Kilroy; his sister-in-law Patricia Monegan Dragovich; and his brother-in-law Edgar Monegan. Dr. Kilroy’s parents instilled in him a love of learning and a strong Catholic faith. He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science from Manhattan College in 1961, a Master’s of Arts in Political Science from Fordham University in 1964, a Master’s of Science in Psychology from Yeshiva University in 1976, and a Doctoral degree in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1981. He had several careers, working as a high school teacher, a college professor, a personnel and training manager of a brewery, a sales training director of a stock brokerage firm, a director of community mental health centers, and a hospital vice president. He earned a Master’s of Ministry degree from St. Michael’s Seminary in 1997. He served as an ordained deacon in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Dr. Kilroy was a religious seeker his whole life, and in his latter decades he returned to the pre-Vatican II Catholic church of his childhood. He attended Latin mass, sometimes driving hours each way to the nearest service. He had deep devotion to his own faith while maintaining an accepting and empathic outlook towards people of all creeds, colors, and beliefs.

Dr. Kilroy healed myriad souls and minds in his private practice as a licensed clinical psychologist, marriage counselor, and school psychologist. He often maintained contact with clients long after their therapeutic relationship had ended. Dr. Kilroy loved travel, languages, and the arts. He raised his two children, Katie and Kevin, by speaking French to them. He read Latin and was a language learner in his adult life of Irish, Spanish, Chinese, and Slovenian, among others. He and his wife were avid travelers, frequently taking trips to cultural destinations. He instilled a love of the arts in his children from a young age, taking them into New York City from their home in New Jersey to visit museums and to attend Broadway shows. He was a season ticket holder at three equity theaters in New Jersey. He took his family on vacations to France and to Taiwan. He was a devoted grandfather to his two granddaughters. In 2015, Dr. and Mrs. Kilroy retired and moved to Lyndhurst, Ohio, to provide childcare for their first grandchild, Jessie. He was known as “Lao Ye” to Jessie, age nine, and as “Pop” to Lily, age three. Dr. Kilroy will be remembered for his love of God and family; his classic, impeccable style; his sharp intellect; his gentlemanly demeanor; and his gentle spirit.

The family of Dr. Kilroy is thankful for all the acts of kindness that have been shown to their family during this time and welcome you to attend any of the following services being held in his honor:

Visitation Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 4-7 PM at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 Mayfield Road (just east of Green Road).

Gathering at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 450 Dennison Road, Akron, OH 44312, Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 10-10:30AM.

Rosary Service at the church at 10:30 AM.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM at the church.

Following all of the services at the church, a Graveside Ceremony will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:45 PM at Fairview Cemetery, 3990 Brecksville Road, Richfield, OH 44286. Please meet at the cemetery entrance to process in together.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Kilroy’s name may be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church or to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192.