A Tribute to My Parents

Seven years ago, after attending one of our "Better Plan" meetings, Bill Grealish discussed with us that someday he would like to financially help his local Catholic School or parish. This year, in 2015, Bill signed an endowment agreement honoring his parents Jack and Milly Grealish for the benefit of Hastings Saint Cecelia School to provide scholarships, perpetually, to those in need. Upon Bills passing the endowment will be funded using part of Bill's IRA.

In the beginning Bill was not sure how he wanted to help or what options were available. The late Father Larry Gyhra mentioned stewardship as a way of life and it made an impact on Bill and opened Bills heart to be more generous. The stewardship way of life struck a chord with Bill.

Bill recognized how important his faith is to him and how grateful he is for the faith his parents nurtured in him as he grew up. He understands the sacrifices that his parents made for him and the harsh life they grew up in, especially his father. Bill's father, Jack Grealish was one of eight children. Jack's mother died when he was five, leaving a widowed father who could not take care of the family. Jack was sent to St. Joseph Catholic Home for Boys, an orphanage in Minneapolis MN. Jack grew up attending Catholic school, served his country during WW II, was married to Milly for 58 years, and after a faith filled life he passed away in 2011 in St. Paul Minnesota. In 2013 Bill moved Milly to Hastings, Nebraska to care for her needs.

Bill agrees he was blessed with great parents and given a lot of opportunities because of how much they sacrificed for him. Although Bill's children did not attend Catholic School, he viewed his father, Jack's, experience with Catholic school as being a valuable asset to Jacks survival during the hard times of his life. This has led Bill to believe in the strong foundation that the Catholic Church and school can provide for families. His estate plan now includes his heirs as well as funding for the establishment of this Endowed fund. A great tribute to his parents.

Bill is excited to start the Jack and Milly Grealish Endowment Fund to leave a legacy to his parents and provide scholarships to Hastings Saint Cecelia School for those who cannot afford the tuition.