Blue Point couple leads St. Pat’s parade

For years, Ed “Mickey” Reilly has been at the end of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce Parade.

“I’ve been involved with organizing the parade for 21 years but I’m always the one at the end, keeping it moving,” Reilly said.

But this year, Reilly and his wife, Gail, will step straight to the front of the line, kicking off the 21st annual Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade as grand marshals of the event.

Married for 53 years, the lovebirds, who first met at Our Lady of Grace Elementary School in Howard Beach, started dating while students at John Adams High School in Adams Park.

They’re united in their love for their family, their faith and to serving the community they call home.

“Gail and Mickey are just about as close to God as two people can come,” said Lenore Ringer Prezio, secretary of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce.

“They are the nicest people you would ever meet in your life. And their sense of giving has extended to their children and grandchildren. Everybody should aspire to be like these two – the world would be a better place.”

Gail, 72, and Mickey, 74, have two children, Kathleen and Raymond, and six grandchildren – their youngest, Kerry Berman, is an Irish step dancer.

Their legacy of volunteerism includes a long list of organizations and charities such as the Blue Point Fire Department and the St. Ursula Retreat Center in Blue Point, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

Even with busy careers, Gail, who worked as a court clerk, and Mickey, who retired from the Suffolk County Water Authority and now has his own business, All Suffolk Backflow Inc., always made time for others.

When they lost their son Michael, who was home on leave from the Coast Guard, in a tragic accident in 1980, the Reillys found solace in public service.

“We took on a lot of extra jobs to keep us busy,” Mickey said.

Helping others has become their hallmark, both at home and in David Park on Fire Island, where they spend summers.

“I hope the grandchildren will continue the tradition,” Mickey said.

Irish blood in their veins, the Reillys enjoyed a trip to Ireland, where they toured the Ring of Kerry. Growing up in Howard Beach, “90 percent of the nuns were Irish,” Gail said. “There was a lot of background in Irish history, in songs and dances.”

But despite their love of the green, they never expected a nomination to serve as grand marshals of the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“Gail and I could never have imagined a honor like this in our lives. This community is like a big family and we are so proud of that,” Mickey said.

The pair were driving in Florida when they got the news.

“We couldn’t believe it,” he added. “They tell me when once you get to Main Street, on Montauk Highway, as grand marshal, you won’t believe the feeling.”

Chris Cavanaugh, director and founder of the parade, said the chamber is thrilled to honor the beloved couple.

“For years, they’ve helped wherever they can in the community,” Cavanaugh said. “They’re great people.”

Pictured above: Ed “Mickey” Reilly and his wife, Gail, will kick off the 21st annual Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade as grand marshals.