John J. Reilly

July 11, 1931 - June 29, 2023

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visitation

Massapequa Funeral Home, South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

516-882-8200 |

Monday 7/3, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Massapequa Funeral Home, South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

516-882-8200 |

Monday 7/3, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Massapequa Funeral Home, South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

516-882-8200 |

Tuesday 7/4, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in John’s honor to Last Hope Inc. Rescue and Rehabilitation in Wantagh, New York.

cemetery

Grace Cemetery

4750 Merrick Road

Massapequa, NY 11758

516-798-1122 |

Wednesday 7/5

mass

St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church

2 Bayview Ave.

Massapequa, New York 11758

516-798-4992 |

Wednesday 7/5, 10:00 am

John J. Reilly fondly known as Jack was born on July 11, 1931 to John and Mary Reilly at his home in Laurelton New York.

Jack was a talented, athlete who loved sports, especially playing basketball at Saint Francis College in Brooklyn.

Jack was a proud Irishman and veteran of the US Army, having served in the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in on 1957. He earned bachelors and a masters degree. Jack went on to become a Professor Emeritus at Farmingdale State College. He was chairman of the Business Administration Department for more than 20 years. It was on campus that Jack met Cecilia Larkin, they spent 52 years married, and together raised their children, Eryn (Jim), Casey (Meredith) and Shannon (Doug). His grandchildren were the peanut butter to his jelly. He was the loving Poppy of Kieran and Liam Maenza and Molly, Jack and Lily Rose Reilly. He was the ultimate belly rubber and crumb dropper to his grand pups, Tuck and Eddie.

Jack and Cele raised the kids in Massapequa Park, where they bought their home and connected with the BEST neighbors anyone could have. They built their life, and rooted their faith as parishioners at St. Rose of Lima. Jack served as a coach for St. Rose CYO and was a frequent volunteer at Saint Rose school, where his children attended.

He had deep faith in God and stood up at his bedside to pray each night.

He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Memerare council in Seaford, New York where he bartended on a weekly basis for 20 years, with his best bud and cousin-in-law Ed Morley.

After his retirement, Jack began working at the Town of Oyster Bay golf course it was a part-time job he adored and held for 25 years until October 2022. His role at the golf course allowed him to stay involved with his huge passion of golfing, and also made many cherished friends.

Jack’s biggest passion was his family. There was nothing he would not do (except cook) for Cele, his children and grandchildren. Jack passed away at his home on June 29th, surrounded by the love and support of his family and some close friends. In addition to Cele, his children and grandchildren Jack is also survived by 28 nieces and nephews. His brother’s and hero’s, Dr. William J. Reilly and Bernard Reilly, pre-deceased him. He will be missed by his many brothers and sisters-in-law’s, neighbors, friends and former colleagues. They say the older, the fiddle, the sweeter the tune, Jack passed 12 days, shy of his 92nd birthday. His tune was the sweetest. He will be fondly remembered and forever missed.

Massapequa Funeral Home, South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

516-882-8200 | Map

Monday 7/3, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Massapequa Funeral Home, South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

516-882-8200 | Map

Monday 7/3, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Massapequa Funeral Home, South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

516-882-8200 | Map

Tuesday 7/4, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in John’s honor to Last Hope Inc. Rescue and Rehabilitation in Wantagh, New York.

Grace Cemetery

4750 Merrick Road

Massapequa, NY 11758

516-798-1122 | Map

Wednesday 7/5

St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church

2 Bayview Ave.

Massapequa, New York 11758

516-798-4992 | Map

Wednesday 7/5, 10:00 am

LAST HOPE INC

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John J. Reilly fondly known as Jack was born on July 11, 1931 to John and Mary Reilly at his home in Laurelton New York. Jack was a talented, athlete who loved sports, especially playing basketball at Saint Francis College in Brooklyn. Jack was a proud Irishman and veteran of the US Army, having served inContinue Reading

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In loving memory of the wonderful and kind Jack Reilly. Sending love and prayers to Cele, Eryn, Casey, Shannon and your beautiful families.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of John Reilly . Plant a Tree

Dear Cele, Eryn, Casey, Shannon and all your family, I’m so sorry for your loss, and our deep condolences to your family. I know how much Jack will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. May all the memories of his full and loving life fill your hearts. Mavis

Our deepest condolences to his family. Poppy was such a special guy! Love to all his family. Your all in our thoughts.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of John Reilly . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A gift and privilege to have Uncle Jack in our lives

A Full Life was purchased for the family of John Reilly by Billy and Heidi Reilly. Send Flowers

To Uncle Jack, Our Hero

Heavenly Light was purchased for the family of John Reilly by The Costellos. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of John Reilly

Sincere condolences to the family.. Jack was not only a gentleman, he was gentle man.

We love you, Uncle Jack. Thank you for your unending love and support. You will always have a seat at our games. "There's no crying in baseball!"

Heaven's Comfort was purchased for the family of John Reilly by Patrick, Kristen, Brian, Diana Annello and Families. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of John Reilly

Our deepest condolences. We wish you all peace and warm prayers.

White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of John Reilly by Ben & Kristen Abbatiello (& boys). Send Flowers

Cele, Casey, Eryn & Shannon, we are so sorry. It was an honor to know & love Jack. He will be deeply missed but will be a welcomed Angel in Heaven.

Heartwarming Thoughts Boston Fern was purchased for the family of John Reilly by Love the Bafias. Send Flowers

My deepest condolences to Cele and the family. I was lucky to have known both Cele and Jack for many years. Jack was my instructor. He was wonderful, knowledgeable, compassionate and funny. Heaven welcomed a special man. Love, Linda

Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this tough times.

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of John Reilly by Love, Empire Elite. Send Flowers

So sad to hear about the passing of Jack. He and Ceil would come to visit my parents when I was a teenager and my fondest memory was his unique sense of humor. All one liners seemed to be original to me, said with a straight face, would make anyone laugh and made you wish you had thought of them. Jack lived a complete life and I can't imagine anyone not being his friend. I wish I could have played golf with him but my Dad did. My prayers and thoughts to his large family are on the way. He will not be forgotten.

I have thought often of your family through the years. So sorry for your family, children & grandchildren. Jack was a wonderful person.

They don’t make men like Mr. Reilly anymore. From the minute I met him when I was 13 years old he’s always been warm and funny and kind, a true gentleman and his love for his family is unmatched. I will miss his big hugs when I would see him at church. May he rest in peace. All my love to Mrs. Reilly, Eryn, Casey and Shannon and their families.

Love you forever Jackson my brother

My deepest condolences to the entire family. Mr Reilly was a true gentleman, adored husband, father and grandfather. He will be truly missed!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.