A Life of Service and Leadership
COLD SPRING, N.Y. — Hundreds of mourners gathered in Cold Spring last week to honor Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville, who was remembered as a man of integrity, compassion, and courage. McConville, who passed away on August 22 at the age of 68, was laid to rest at Cold Spring Cemetery following a funeral mass at Our Lady of Loretto Church.
A lifelong Cold Spring resident and 1975 graduate of Haldane High School, McConville devoted more than four decades to public service. His career included over 30 years with the MTA Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from patrolman to chief in 2005. On September 11, 2001, he managed the MTA’s response at Grand Central Terminal, ensuring the safety of Metro-North and subway operations. In 2021, he was elected Sheriff of Putnam County, where he modernized the department and forged strong partnerships with schools, police agencies, and social service providers.
Funeral Procession and Mass
The day of remembrance began with a solemn funeral procession through Cold Spring. Two dozen motorcyclists led the way, followed by bagpipers and a hearse carrying the sheriff’s casket. Members of the New York City MTA Police carried McConville’s remains into the church, where the mass was celebrated by Rev. Thomas Lutz of Our Lady of Loretto and Father Szymon Kurpios of St. John’s Church in Mahopac.
Inside, family members, friends, law enforcement officers, and state and local officials filled the pews. More than 400 officers and emergency responders from across New York attended to pay their respects.
Tributes From Family
McConville’s family painted a portrait of a man who balanced professional dedication with a deep love for home life. They described him as “silly, sarcastic, stubborn and steadfast,” but also as a soft-hearted husband, father, grandfather, and pet owner who doted on his dog, Wolf.
Family members recalled how McConville instilled values of kindness, faith, and loyalty in those closest to him, leaving a legacy that extended beyond his career achievements.
Public Service and Community Impact
As sheriff, McConville invested in new technology and prioritized school safety. He worked closely with mental health providers, social services, and domestic violence agencies, emphasizing that law enforcement should also connect residents to resources and support.
State officials praised his legacy. Sen. Rob Rolison, a college classmate of McConville’s at Marist, described him as “a man of integrity, fairness, and compassion who carried out his responsibilities with strength and unwavering commitment.” Sen. Pete Harckham added that it had been “an honor to work alongside such an experienced and principled leader,” calling him a “dedicated public servant” deeply respected in Putnam County.
Honoring His Commitment to Law Enforcement
McConville was a steadfast supporter of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), never missing an event and always offering assistance when needed. Peter Conlin, president of the Driscoll FOP Chapter, noted, “He attended not out of obligation, but out of sincere respect and recognition for our organization.”
Community members also shared personal memories. John Falcone of Carmel, whose son, Detective John Falcone Jr., was killed in the line of duty, said McConville was “one of a kind” and “considerate and caring” despite the hardships he had faced. “I thought of him like my son,” Falcone added. “Now he and John have been reunited in heaven.”
Survived by Family, Remembered by Many
Sheriff McConville is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janice, their three children — Ryan, Kylie, and Ilana — and two grandchildren, Bennett and Reagan. He is also survived by siblings Barbara, Ronnie, and Dickie.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in his name to the Putnam County SPCA or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Though his passing leaves a void in the county, mourners agreed that Sheriff Kevin McConville’s life of service, integrity, and compassion will continue to inspire the community he loved and served.
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