John R. Rahilly

John R. “Jack” Rahilly, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jack was known as a great listener who took deep pride in supporting his family—especially their education and their many extracurricular pursuits, from sports to drama. He found special joy in summers spent at his cherished Maine cottage and delighted in life’s simple pleasures, including a good cheeseburger and ice cream at the Scoop Deck. Born in Chicopee on January 18, 1934, Jack was the son of the late Michael and Catherine (Russell) Rahilly. He spent several formative years of his boyhood in his beloved Dingle, Ireland, a place he always held close to his heart. After returning to the United States, he graduated from Chicopee High School in 1952. Jack earned his bachelor’s degree from American International College before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served on active and reserve duty as an administrative clerk and attained the rank of corporal. Following his military service, he earned a master’s degree in education from Westfield State College. While living in Chicopee, Jack met the love of his life, Barbara Stefanik. They shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their enduring partnership—marked by friendship, mutual respect, and joy—was an inspiration to all who knew them. Jack dedicated more than 30 years to a career in education, serving students in the Springfield, Amherst, and Wilbraham school systems. After retiring from public education, he joined the staff of Valley West School, where he continued to make a meaningful impact and retired as an administrator. Throughout his career, Jack touched the lives of countless students and colleagues with his kindness, patience, and commitment. In addition to his beloved wife Barbara, Jack is survived by his four children: Lynn Reed and her husband William of Chicopee; John Rahilly and his wife Jenna of South Hadley; Jeffrey Rahilly and his wife Alisa of Newburyport; and Robert Rahilly and his wife Heather of Weston, Connecticut. He was the proud grandfather of ten cherished grandchildren: Haley, Mike, Emma, Maggie, Liam, Catie, Bobby, Maeve, Jack, and Isla. He is also survived by his sister, Irene Rahilly of South Hadley, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Chapdelaine. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, from the Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front Street, Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus. A committal service with Military Honors will follow in the chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Friday morning from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children, organizations he supported throughout his lifetime.

John R. Rahilly

January 18, 1934 - January 8, 2026

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John R. Rahilly

January 18, 1934 - January 8, 2026

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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Obituaries

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