R.I.P. Rev. Paul J. Begley

Fr. Paul was a priest for 53 years.
It is truly a sad day in the YD household. One of Dad's uncles - Fr. Paul Begley - died this morning at Bergan Mercy Hospital. He succumbed to a long-time battle with heart problems. Dad and Mom visited him in the hospital only last night.

Fr. Paul, as he was known in family circles, was present at nearly every baptism, wedding and funeral for family members since his ordination. Coincidentally, Mom made her first communion with him when she was growing up in Bellevue (years before she even met Dad). He was a priest for 53 of his 82 years.

He will be remembered for driving fancy sports cars and for his habit of saying, "Ho. Ho. Ho. The great (insert first name)" when greeting his nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten are rumors of him taking a portable TV into the confessional on afternoons when Notre Dame was playing football games. He was a huge sports fan and wouldn't answer the phone on Saturday nights when he was watching boxing.

A visitation will take place at St. Bridget Church, 4112 So. 26th St., Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral is Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget. Dad and Uncle Neil will be pallbearers and Aunt Dee-Dee is going to do one of the readings.