NORWICH – John James Reilly Sr., 85, of Norwich, passed away on Monday, Sept. 5, 2011, at the Wilson Regional Hospital of Johnson City, surrounded by some of his large, loving family.
A long-time resident of Oxford who moved to Norwich a year ago, John had previously lived for many years in Orange County. He was the son of William and Helena O’Malley Reilly, born in Pearl River in March of 1926. He worked for 20 years at Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River, and later retired from Great American in Norwich. He was a very patriotic man, proud of his World War II service in the U.S. Navy, having served in the Pacific on the USS Pensacola. He loved nature, and his organic vegetable and beautiful flower gardens in Oxford. He taught his children, of whom he was very proud, honesty, integrity and the values of a hard day’s work for a day’s pay.
John was the beloved husband of Audrey McGill Reilly, who survives. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. John always said Audrey was the best thing that ever happened to him. John was the beloved father of daughters and their husbands: Audeen and Vaughn Moore of Maybrook, Ellen and George Cleveland of Norwich, and Dawn and Robert Clark of Oxford; and of sons and their wives: John J. and Elizabeth Ann Reilly Jr. of Chester, Michael and Susan Reilly of MountLake Terrace, WA, Daniel and Gretchen Reilly of Snohomish, WA, and Patrick Reilly of Columbia, MO, all of whom survive. Also surviving are John’s grandchildren and their spouses: Madeline Moore of Maybrook, Aaron and Afa Dworkin of Ypsilanti, MI, Lara and Matthew O’Neill of Montgomery, John and Selina Reilly III of Chester, Michael and Syma Reilly of NYC, Cassandra and Jacob Remming of Bothel, WA, Jonathan Reilly of MountLake Terrace, WA, Christian and Jessica Vischi of Oswego, Michael and Moyoko Vischi of Yokusuka, Japan, Brian and Brooke Vischi of Bessemer City, NC, and Tonya Reilly of Charleston, SC. Survivors also include 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his siblings: Joseph, Mary, Eleanor, Margaret, William, Bernard, Teresa, and Catherine.
Funeral services for John will be held at noon on Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service at noon. Memorial contributions may be made to the veteran’s charity of one’s choice.