Remembering Jay O'Halloran
I believe that in the years we walk this earth most of us are blessed with two, three or maybe four truly good friends. I mean the kind of friend that you call just because you wanted to call; no other reason. The kind of friend that you can just be yourself, and feel completely at ease in his company. The kind of friend that you can go to breakfast with, read the paper the entire time, and still be happy he was there. The kind of friend that tells you the basement door is always open, the keys to his truck are in the ignition, and that all his tools and everything in the fridge are mine for taking if ever needed. Jay was that kind of friend to me and to many of you.
Now I know that I should feel lucky that I was blessed to have someone so special in my life for so long.
as written by Vincent Stokus in the Eulogy
Uncle Jay never had children of his own, but you would never have known it by the way he loved his nieces and nephews. He treated each of us like we were his own, making time for us, making us laugh, and finding little ways to make us feel special.
One of my favorite memories is from my Nana's house. For my fourth birthday, Uncle Jay gave me a toy microphone, and from then on I was convinced I was a performer. I would sit at the piano, pressing random keys and singing made-up songs at the top of my lungs. He was always my biggest fan. As I sang, he would place money on the piano. The longer I kept going—and the louder I got—the more money he'd leave. Looking back, I know it was never about the music. It was his way of encouraging me, making me feel seen, and reminding me that the people who love you will always cheer you on.
Even though our time together was far too short, his kindness, generosity, and love left a mark that has never faded. I often find myself wishing I could have known him as an adult—to hear more of his stories, learn more of his lessons, and thank him for the love he gave so freely.
This memorial golf tournament is more than a day on the course. It's a reminder of everything that made Uncle Jay so special - his kind heart, his easygoing spirit, his ability to make people laugh. It's a celebration of the kind of person Uncle Jay was—a man whose love continues to live on through the family and friends he cherished.
Every swing, every laugh, every story shared, and every Jimmy Buffett song reminds us to slow down, enjoy the moment, and cherish the people around us.
Thank you, Uncle Jay, for loving us like your own and for leaving us with memories that time can never take away. We miss you every day, and we hope we're making you proud.
Love, Paige
