By John C. O'Connell
The occasion was an opportunity for many to tell Walsh how much he is loved and to thank him for his decades of service to the parish and the Valley Stream community.
Walsh is a past president of the society, chairman of the annual family communion breakfast, Eucharistic minister, sacristan, usher, a knight of the Knights of Columbus and leader in many other parish programs.
Bill is a great help to me," said Bill Facibene, current president of the society, "and he's definitely a man of genius. He served our country, and has served our Holy Name of Mary church for 36 years. I want to thank him for everything he's given me and given to the Holy Name Society. He never stops giving."
Presentations were made to the honoree by the society, as well as by Village of Valley Stream Mayor Edward Cahill, Town of Hempstead Councilman James Darcy and Nassau County Legislator Francis Becker.
In making his presentation, Darcy praised Walsh as one of "the ordinary men who do extraordinary things in such extraordinary ways."
Fr. Thomas Harold referred to Walsh as a man of wisdom and thanked him for his kindness when Harold first arrived at Holy Name of Mary. The pastor thanked Walsh for the great service he has been to the parish family.
Surrounded by his wife, Sara, and society officers, with his other family members close by, Walsh responded with grace and stature to the words of him.
"We moved here in 1966 and it was the best move we ever made," Walsh said. "Thanks to everyone, my friends, Ed Cahill, Jim Darcy and Fran Becker and everyone here for these words and for being here with me tonight.
"Valley Stream is a great place to live, a great place to raise a family. This parish has great priests, nuns and parish staff. I just want to say that no matter what you give, you get double back," Walsh said.
"This faith-filled man's unending devotion to God, family and church is outstanding," said Joseph Scalise, chaplain of the Holy Name Society. "He has touched so many lives for the good."
