By Mike Russo
Congregating at the bar of the Baldwin Harbor restaurant, friends shared their memories of Foley -who passed away Feb. 3 at the age of 79 - the man they knew best as "Sonny."
The 16-year owner of Sonny's Canal House was described by his regular customers as an honorable, decent man who loved his community, friends and wife, Ginny.
Resident Carl Henry recalls that Foley always enjoyed his stories about the early history of television, from Henry's experience working at CBS and NBC. Henry said that Foley often kept to himself, but the two had shared great conversations over the years.
"Kind of a quiet guy, but kind," said Henry. "He was a good friend. He was an honest person."
A group of patrons reminisced over inside jokes they had with Foley. The group shared a good laugh over Foley's phrase, "I ain't ascared." They remembered how much fun he had getting involved with raffles, and how he would always write "Foley only" on his ticket, joking that his wife needed to get her own.
Edward Masterson, a regular at Sonny's, described Foley as a good guy who was very respectful of everyone who came to the restaurant, and was even tolerant of Masterson's service dog, Trigger, who died just a day before Foley.
"Always a gentleman," said Masterson. "John Foley was an outstanding member of the community, and a friend to all the patrons at Sonny's Canal House, even Trigger."
Ginny Foley, John's wife of 27 years, said she was shocked by her husband's death, but is thankful for the life they shared together. Foley was a man who loved the town, his customers, and was an avid fisher and car enthusiast in his earlier days, said Ginny. He is probably best known for a smile that never left his face and wearing the craziest pants he could find.
"He had a big smile for everybody and made everyone laugh," said Ginny. "He loved to go down to Sonny's and laugh and talk with everybody."
Barbara Fullerton, a good friend of the Foleys, called Foley the social director of the restaurant, greeting everyone and helping them feel welcome. She also complimented Foley's attire, and felt it was fitting that he was laid to rest in a pair of plaid pants.
"He was always dressed casually, but classically," said Fullerton, whose funeral parlor made the arrangements for Foley. "I love John. He was such a kind gentleman, he truly was."
Doug Diana, who has known the family ever since they opened the restaurant, said they used to tease Foley by calling him "Mr. Ginny Foley" because he was such a quiet guy. Diana said above all, he'll remember Foley's smile, his demeanor, and the love he had for all his friends.
"Just the way he could always be there for people and brighten up the day," said Diana. "He was just that type of guy, a very happy guy. He had an Irish heart to match his Irish smile. He was a true gentleman of Baldwin."
At Sonny's Canal House, the seat where Foley could often be found is now dedicated to his memory. A glass of Miller Lite, Foley's favorite beer, sits next to the bottle, decorated with a bouquet of red roses. The theme song at Sonny's is "Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think," by one of Foley's favorite artists, Guy Lombardo, and Ginny said she couldn't think of a better way to remember her husband. Said Ginny, "That really personified his character, and his life."
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
