February 17, 2014 (Harrison, NJ) Traffic along Harrison Avenue was diverted onto Hamilton Street to allow the Harrison Police and Fire Honor Guards and Elected Officials to assemble in front of Harrison Town Hall for Mayor Raymond J. McDonough's funeral. Mayor McDonough awaited an almost full to capacity Holy Cross Church church composed of a United States Congressman, New Jersey Assembly Members, Mayors from all of Hudson County, and Council members from Harrison, East Newark, and Kearny; as well as Police Officer, Firefighters, Emergency Services units, and Harrisonians wishing to bid the Mayor a farewell and support the Mayor's wife, Constance McDonough, and her family.
Honor Mayor Raymond McDonough and Governor Chris Christie in background at the Harrison Path Station Modernization Ground Breaking Ceremony. Photograph courtesy of The Observer
It was obvious that Mayor McDonough's wife, Constance McDonough, was receiving support from her family, friends and clergy but that the events of the past week had taken a toll on her. She was supported by her two brothers throughout the funeral mass and the ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetary in North Arlington.
Clergy from various neighboring churches and prior pastors of Holy Cross Church filled the alter and participated in various forms throughout the funeral mass. The message was that God would help console loved ones and friends who had lost a great Mayor and Harrisonian. But that Mayor McDonough was now receiving his rewards in Heavan and that we should not been worried for him.
After the funeral mass, a funeral procession made it's way along Frank E. Rodgers Blvd, onto Kearny Avenue, and then Ridge Road on its way to the Holy Cross Cemetary Mausoleum in North Arlington. The Harrison, East Newark, Kearny, North Arlington Police Departments and Hudson County Sheriff officers assisted in traffic control as the funeral procession made its way to Holy Cross Cemetary.
A large contingency of mourners also attended the ceremony at the Holy Cross Cemetary Mausoleum.
Various media personnel were present outside Holy Cross Church including New York media outlets.
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