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John Reilly Obituary

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John Reilly

West Nyack, NY

July 29, 1932 - February 5, 2020

John Reilly Obituary

John Kirkwood Reilly, known to all as Kirk, died on Feb. 5, 2020 at Joe Raso Hospice Residence in New City. He was 87. Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 29, 1932, the former New City resident moved to New Rochelle in the mid-40s and graduated from Iona Prep School in 1951. He was a 1955 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Kirk served in the Navy after graduating from Notre Dame. An avid sports fan, especially for his beloved New York Yankees, Kirk worked for a short time for a minor league baseball team. At that time he was introduced by his sister, Regina Reilly, to his future wife, Julie Marie Gilmore. Kirk and Julie were married on November 26, 1960 and moved to New City in 1964. Together they raised eight children. They celebrated 59 years of marriage last November. Kirk is survived by his beloved spouse, Julie, and his children John (Jack) Reilly, Kevin Reilly (Maria Santini), Annemarie Reilly (Thomas Kelly), Christopher Reilly (Michelle Haglund), Roisin Morris (Stephen Morris), Patrick Reilly (Amy Park), and Michael Reilly. He was predeceased by his son Francis (Frank) Reilly (Alice Krycki). He was the larger than life grandfather to Frank Reilly, Ananda Reilly, Sean Reilly, Anastasia Kelly, Kathryn Kelly, Dominic Reilly, and Jane Reilly. He loved to see his grandchildren and bestow presents on them. He especially loved to see them interact with each other at family gatherings. Kirk was the eldest of four and is survived by his sister, Regina Reilly, and his brothers, Terrence Reilly and Eugene Reilly (Nancy). Born during the Great Depression, Kirk was 13 years old when World War II ended. The historic events of this time informed many of his views of the world, particularly a sense of hard work, right and wrong and caring for others that he instilled in his children. On a lighter note he shared with his children a great love of the music, movies and sports of this era. He had a passion for sports, books, and the arts throughout his life and found great joy in the human spirit and creativity. He devoted much of his free time coaching his children's sports teams and attending games, concerts and other events. He cared deeply about his children having opportunities to develop their unique talents and interests. He always found a way, no matter the cost or time commitment, to provide his children with every opportunity to play a sport or take music, art or other classes. While he was immensely proud of his children's accomplishments he appreciated them most for simply "being who they are." Kirk spent the majority of his business career working for the Cling Peach Association, promoting the products grown by this northwest farmers' association. This work allowed him to visit many places around the country, including occasional visits to farms in California. He greatly appreciated the diversity and beauty of our country. Kirk had a great sense of humor and a distinctive deep voice and loved talking to people. He always made friends wherever he went. He was devoted to his family and bringing everyone together as often as he could. Kirk's wife and children cannot imagine life on earth without his presence, but they know that he will always be in their hearts and on their minds, a gift that they will carry into each day. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Feb. 15th at St. Anthony's Shrine Church, 36 W. Nyack Road, Nanuet. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorial contributions made to Catholic Relief Services.

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