The 2026 Dignitaries

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 Carol Gilhawley (née Power) grew up in Dún Laoghaire, a picturesque port town, seven miles south of Dublin city center. She lived with her parents Pat & Louis, her grandmother, Rose Ward, and her brothers David, Brian, and Gerry. She attended Sacred Heart primary school and Holy Child secondary school before enrolling in Dublin City University where she completed a BA in Communication Studies. In 1989, she won a one-year scholarship to pursue a graduate course in journalism in Brussels, Belgium. Returning to Dublin, she became Editor of Industry & Commerce magazine for four years before joining Lafferty Publications. They were looking for an Editor for their New York office, so Carol moved to New York City in May 1996 to work at Lafferty’s office in the Graybar building on Lexington Avenue while she lived with her brother Gerry at East 29th Street.

She began writing for The Irish Times daily newspaper as Irish tech companies began to list on Nasdaq and continued writing a column called Wired on Friday from New York for The Irish Times for the next seven years. She became a board member of the Foreign Press Association and joined the American Banker newspaper as a Technology Reporter. A year after arriving in NYC, Carol met Joe Gilhawley at a friend’s house in Weehawken. Joe is also a fellow Dubliner who moved to Rutherford in 1994.

Carol & Joe married in Manhattan in February 2000, and they’ve made their home in Rutherford ever since, welcoming three children: Emma in 2001, Samuel in 2002, and Luke in 2005. Over the years, Carol became involved in several activities in town. She was VP of the Lincoln School PTA for six years; she became Captain of a Ladies’ volleyball team 17 years ago and continues to play today. She is involved in St. Mary’s parish as a Eucharistic Minister, taught summer CCD, and has volunteered at the Rutherford Food Pantry.

She is honored to serve as this year’s Rutherford Irish American Association’s Grand Marshal and looks forward to celebrating with the other nominees. Since the RIAA’s inception, Carol has sung the Irish national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, at the start of the parade each year.

  Kerri-Lynn Walsh-Wood is passionate about her connections within the Irish community and is thrilled to be named Deputy Grand Marshal. Born in Jersey City, she comes from an Irish Catholic family which has made service to the community a priority. Her father, Jim, was a NJ State Trooper and her mother, Marilyn (Murphy) was a Catholic School teacher and principal. A graduate of County College of Morris and Montclair State, Kerri-Lynn has worked for the Courts for 33 years. She is an adjunct professor and a certified trainer.

Former resident of Rutherford, Kerri-Lynn lives in Chester with her husband, Keith. Kerri-Lynn and Keith are proud of their family: Sean, Robyn, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Brendan. They also have a German Shepherd named Finbar.

Kerri-Lynn and Keith met through the pipe band community, as she attended local parades in support of her father who was the bass drummer of the NJSP Pipe Band, and Keith was a bagpiper. Rory O’Moore was founded in 1995 by the Wood family, and Kerri-Lynn joined soon after. She has been the bass drummer for 26 years and holds the position of Recording Secretary and Drum Sergeant. Music is at the heart of their relationship; whether it’s playing with the pipe band or following their favorite bands.

She is a founding member and current President of the Sisters of Saint Brigid. It focuses on providing a strong social network for women and its mission is dedicated to preserving Irish history and supporting charities that benefit women and children.

Kerri-Lynn and Keith are members of the Rutherford Irish and the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. Kerri-Lynn would like to acknowledge her parents and her in-laws, Dermot & Margaret for sharing their love of Irish music and culture. The Walsh family traces their roots to County Mayo and the Murphy’s to County Cork.

After playing in the parade for the last 7 years, Kerri-Lynn looks forward to seeing things from a different vantage point this year. Thanks to Rutherford Irish for this honor!

Jennifer Tarantino Capoano is a lifelong resident of Rutherford, New Jersey—her beloved hometown where her great-grandparents first settled generations ago. Today, she continues to live there with her husband, Craig, and their two sons, Tyler (8) and Logan (6).

Jennifer’s dedication to community service runs deep in her family roots. In the fall of 2005, shortly after graduating from Rutherford High School, she joined the Rutherford First Aid Ambulance Corps. By doing so, she became the first fourth-generation emergency services volunteer in New Jersey—following in the footsteps of nine family members before her, including her great-grandfather Michael Tarantino, grandfather Ciro Tarantino, father Michael Tarantino, and mother Jane Tarantino.

Jen’s passion for emergency response started young. At just three years old, she watched from the car as her father responded to a motor vehicle accident on Union Avenue—a moment that ignited a lifelong calling. She still treasures the occasional opportunity to answer calls alongside her dad.

Through her nearly two decades of volunteer service, Jennifer has gained more than just hours of experience—she has developed lifelong leadership skills, found a second family among fellow volunteers, and built confidence that has helped her in every area of life. 

Jennifer has served in a variety of leadership roles, including 2nd Lieutenant, Training Officer, committee chairperson, and currently, President of the Corps. In her role as President, she oversees day-to-day operations and helps guide the organization's future—all while continuing to volunteer over 75 hours each month.

Outside of her emergency service work, Jen is equally committed to education and literacy. She has been a kindergarten teacher in North Arlington since 2020, where she was named Teacher of the Year for the 2022–2023 school year. She has also worked at the Rutherford Library since 2003, supporting her community’s love of reading and learning.

Jennifer is an avid Disney World fan, and in her free time she enjoys cooking, reading, country music, Taylor Swift, and most of all—making memories with her family.

Samantha Hiller is a proud lifelong Rutherford resident. She is a graduate of Rutherford High School and William Paterson University, where she studied Theater and Communications, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1997. She began her career at the Williams Center before joining Pearson Education, where she built a successful career over two decades. She currently serves as a Senior Specialist at Thélios, a subsidiary of LVMH, specializing in the production and distribution of luxury sunglasses and optical frames. She is a active member of the community, a parishioner of St. Mary’s RC Church, and a recent member of the Rutherford Elks #547.

Known for her boundless energy and unwavering dedication, Sam is a familiar and friendly face at every RIAA event — from selling 50/50s and raffle tickets in person and online, to setting up for events, and serving as a parade adjutant. She brings passion, pride, and positivity wherever she goes!

Sam’s deep Irish roots trace back to her great-great-grandparents from Tipperary, Cork, and Limerick, and she proudly celebrates her heritage with her amazing mother Eileen, her sisters Jean and Bridget, her partner Jeff Waller, and a large circle of cherished friends and family. Sam would like to mention fellow RIAA members, Catherine O’Keefe and Michelle Korosy, close friends who she often travels with to attend St. Patrick’s Day parades, both local and beyond!

Here’s to a fantastic 2026 parade season for all RIAA members. Sláinte!