Saying goodbye to Monsignor Paul Rahilly

St. Joachim R.C. Church on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst was filled with parishioners and other well-wishers who attended the Sept. 27 mass to say farewell to Msgr. Paul Rahilly, who served as pastor for more than 20 years.
“Father Paul” is how he is affectionately known to the many he has consoled, congratulated and spoken to over his two decades in the Five Towns. Sister Mary Albert, who Rahilly worked with for these years, also stepped into retirement that Sunday.
“The Mass of Thanksgiving” included several speakers and Rahilly, who recounted stories that had the congregants laughing and at times, crying. Lawrence resident Frank Argento, an honoree along with wife, Carolyn, at the 2014 St. Joachim’s Diamond Ball, was moved to tears as he said he would miss Father Paul.
There was also a grand buffet lunch at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club. The day’s events were coordinated by Fran Galante, Judy Librizzi, Deacon Frank Bono, Deacon Charles Goldburg, Ralph Palleschi, Jim Day, Mirea Jacobs, Jo Marie Capone, Robert and Nancy Pastor and Ron and Ida Marciano. Ron served as the emcee at the lunch.