Lovell Remembered for Kindness at Funeral, Family Receives Overwhelming Support

The last significant time Richard Shea spent with Jim Lovell was at an exhibit at Boscobol House and Gardens, located in Garrison.

After some urging from his wife, Shea, the Town of Philipstown supervisor decided to skip work for the day when Lovell invited him to go. Shea knows he will always be grateful he made the choice to accompany his friend Lovell, who died tragically on Dec. 1 when an MTA train derailed on its way to New York City, killing a total of four passengers and injuring many more.

Lovell was on his way to work to help set up the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree that was lit last Wednesday, but never made it. The Cold Spring resident leaves behind his wife, Philipstown board member Nancy Montgomery, and their three sons and a daughter from a previous marriage.

Last Friday, Shea and countless mourners came in droves to Our Lady of Loretta Church in Cold Spring to remember Lovell and celebrate the life he led. With more than 500 people in attendance, the church was packed and people even had to stand in a crammed basement where the service was being shown over a live feed teleprompter. Rev. Frank Geer gave a touching eulogy and another priest at the alter continuously referred to him as “Brother Jimmy.” As his casket was taken out of the church, the choir sang the famed song “Let It Be” by the Beatles.

“It was a beautiful ceremony. It was beautiful to see so many people I haven’t seen in years from the past and all the local people here,” Shea said. “It’s a powerful statement. A testimony to Jim’s life.”

Shea said he would need at least six months to properly tell someone about Lovell, but one memory that sticks out to him is how he would teach his three sons, Finn, 17, Jack, 15, and Hudson, 12, to dive.

He might have been 58-years-old, but Shea remembers Lovell doing back flips into Lake Valhalla with a youthful conviction.

“He’s up there today doing a back flip into (Lake) Valhalla,” Shea said.

Another Philipstown board member, John Van Tassel, said it’s “obvious the amount of love” the community had for Lovell.

“He was always there with a smiling face,” Van Tassel said.

Family friend Toby Shimin, who is close with Montgomery, said the family understands how the grief of losing Lovell has extended far beyond just their household.

“They continue to share tears, laughter and remembrances of Jim with everyone who comes to visit, not only graciously accepting comfort,” Shimin said in an email. “But giving of themselves and being fully present for everyone around them. It is astounding.”

Since the tragic news reached Philipstown, the support for Montgomery and her family has been overwhelming. One way or another, the needs of the family have been addressed quickly and generously.

Shimin started a gofundme.com page for Montgomery in order to raise money for the funeral expenses. Originally, the target goal was $10,000. In less than a week, the monetary support has swelled to more than $110,000.

In a statement posted on the page, Montgomery said, “Jim Lovell was a dedicated father, a caring husband, and a loyal friend. He had a passion for his work in the media and for the friendships he made and cherished. His spirit and sense of community can never be replaced. We would like to express our thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our friends, our family, and our hometown. You have been present for us so often during our lives, and especially now. We are grateful. Jim loved so many, and so many loved him.”

Meals have also consistently been provided for the family and various businesses in the area have set up fundraisers in honor of Lovell.

Melia Marzollo of Skybaby Studio in Cold Spring has also started a Christmas gift drive as a way to provide a suitable holiday for the family and let people “show their affection to the family.”

“So it was something that could offer some space for grieving time,” Marzollo, a friend of Montgomery, said. “So a grieving mom doesn’t have to go out and be subject to waiting in lines and being in stores at this point.”

Marzollo calls the way residents have come to Montgomery’s aid “incredible.”

“I have heard many people say in the past few days, ‘this is why we live here,’” Shimin stated. “Philipstown is a very caring, inclusive and embracing community”.

The Rockefeller tree lighting was dedicated to Lovell and the Putnam County Legislature ended its meeting with a moment of silence for Lovell led by District 1 Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra, who represents Philipstown and Cold Spring.

Shea noted the support for Montgomery and her children would continue long term, months after the initial mourning and struggle.

“When there is a loss like this, people will step up and rally around the family,” Shea said. “It’s just a beautiful expression of love for Jim.”

Putnam County residents looking to help can go to http://www.gofundme.com/5jmdbg or mail a check directly to Nancy Montgomery, P.O. Box 254, Cold Spring, NY 10516. Residents that want to give wrapped gifts to the family can drop them off at 75 Main Street on the third floor. Gifts will be accepted until Dec. 21.