Robert "Jay" Emmett Foley

Robert "Jay" Emmett Foley

November 9, 1940 to November 2, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father. He was born and raised in The Bronx to parents Adele (O'Brien) and Robert Foley with his siblings Brianne and WIlliam Foley. All of whom predeceased him.

"Jay" attended Columbus High School. He answered the call of duty fearlessly, at the age of 17, enlisting in the United States Navy. He quickly rose up in rank and became an E5. Never the one to take credit, he always said that the Navy is what made him the man he was.  After his time in the service Jay followed along in the steep Irish Catholic family tradition and followed his Uncles in joining the New York City Fire Department. He was known for his immense courage, unwavering dedication, and the heart of a lion. His rather large, towering presence provided comfort and reassurance to those around him. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all, with much loyalty to his brotherhood in the Department and a fierce protector of his family. After more than 25 years of dedicated service to Engine Company 50, Ladder 19, and then finally Rescue 3, he retired as a Fire Marshal out of Roosevelt Island.  Countless commendations, awards, medals and even a few books featuring his impact as a fire historian.

He married and had four amazing children that survive him, Christopher, Shannon (Graham) Rory (Todd) and Brooke (Steven), raising them in the same neighborhood he grew up in.  After his lifetime of service with the FDNY, always loving his time spent in the south he finally was able to leave it all behind and he set up camp in Charlotte, NC. His children quickly followed just as he knew they would.  As the kids grew older and began to migrate, it was his turn to follow them, and he became a resident of Spartanburg, SC.

Robert "Jay" is survived by his 13 grandchildren Torin, Marcus, Kyle, Jordan, Kiera, Kian, Veronica, Reese, Tristen, Killian, Quinn, Morgan, and Greyson along with his 7 great-grandchildren Logan, Hudson, Arabella, Malachi, Cohen, Koa, and Lennon.

In the face of raging flames and the most dire emergencies, he stood tall, embodying the spirit of a true Irish warrior. His heritage was a source of pride and strength for him, and he carried the Irish spirit with him in everything he did.

He leaves behind a legacy of bravery and sacrifice, reminding us that heroes walk among us every day, ready to shield us from harm. His memory will forever inspire us to be courageous, compassionate, and selfless.

The family will receive friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs.

A funeral service celebrating Jay's life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in the Chapel of Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs.