John P. Rahill

March 18, 1942 - June 22, 2021

John P. Rahill entered into eternal rest on June 22, 2021. John was born in Astoria , Queens on March 18, 1942. From the beginning John was a real character, having frequented many Catholic schools in Queens. John would grow into a man and would enlist in the United States Airforce in 1964. After basic training John would spend the next 4 years of his service at various bases on the West Coast, before being shipped to Vietnam in 1967. He served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. After being discharged from the Air Force as a Sergeant, John went to The College of Aeronautics to pursue his dream of being an FAA Certified Airplane Mechanic. Once he completed his degree he would spend the next 38 years working on airplanes first for TWA, and then American Airlines. John was a very active person. He loved being around people, and his real passion was helping others. After his retirement, John would volunteer to drive veterans and local seniors to their doctors appointments. He was a Trustee and Historian for the American Legion Post 273 in Keansburg. He was the Chaplain for the V.F.W Post 4303 in Hazlet. John was the treasurer of his Disabled American Veterans chapter. He was also a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He was an active member of the Cullen Senior Group in Hazlet, and the Keansburg Senior Club. John was also the Vice President of the N.J. TWA. Retirees Club where he would enjoy luncheons and conventions all across the country. John was the Honored Veteran at the Keansburg Memorial Day Parade in 2010, and was honored to receive The Chapel of the 4 Chaplains Legion of Honor Award for his service to the community following Hurricane Sandy. John was an avid fisherman, and he loved fishing both freshwater and saltwater. He would constantly check his tide charts, and let you know when the stripers were hitting. John loved airplanes, and enjoyed taking in the Atlantic City Airshow with his buddies. John was famous for his St. Patrick’s Day parties where he would host friends and family. He would amaze his guests with his cooking and his homemade Irish Soda Bread. He loved to travel as well, going to many countries and states across America. John’s ultimate passion was his family. He loved being around his family and was willing to do anything for them. He loved his children, and was over the moon in love with his grandchildren. Grandpa was always watching, playing, or sitting with his grandchildren. He always offered sage advice, and was a great and loyal friend. He always greeted his friends and family with his famous catchphrase “ Hey Kid”. John is predeceased by his parents Francis and Bridget Rahill, his loving wife of 39 years Nancy Rahill, and his brothers Francis and Michael Rahill. He is survived by his Son Brian, and his wife Kimberly of Elmwood Park, his daughter Jean Burkhard, and her husband Kerry of Middletown, and his grandchildren Ashley, Kayla, Brynne, and Gavin, and many friends and family.