Glen (Smiley) Reilly, 60, of Island Pond,VT formerly of Northford, CT passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012 surrounded by his family. Son of the late Francis Reilly and Shirley Harvey Reilly (East Haven). Husband of the beloved Cheryl Perrella Reilly. Father of devoted daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Dennis Bozzuto. Dedicated and Proud Grandfather of Austin (Buddy). Dilan (Buddy) and Lacey (his Little Girl). Brother of Elizabeth (Betty) and Paul Gertsch (Paul and Scott), Francis (Frank) and Debbie Reilly, Robin and Rich Pollock (Tori and Cameron), Nicholas Reilly (Angelica and Elizabeth), foster brother of Steve Olander. His dog Snickers stayed by his side. Glen attended East Haven Schools. Glen was always willing to help anyone. He worked for Chippeo Bus and PCG Service Center as a mechanic. Glen owned and operated Glen’s Auto for 33 years and Northford Food Mart for 23 years with his wife Cheryl until they retired in 2004. He worked at Fred’s Propane in Newport, VT. In the 70’s and 80’s Glen enjoyed being a member of the Connecticut Streetrod Association traveling all over with his T-Buckets, Model A and 34 Coupe. In the 90’s-2003ish his dream came true and he raced Riverside Park in a Strictly Stock #99. When riverside Park closed he raced a Late Model at Waterford Speedbowl in the #09 and #99. Always having to compete with his wife Cheryl on who was a better racecar driver (she raced Mini Stock #99). His joy for racing was once again fulfilled when his three grandchildren began racing Quarter Midgets at Silver City in Meriden for the past 3 years. He was the crew chief, the most competitive member of our crew!! He also enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends and family for many years. . He spent every moment he could with his grandchildren, they put a smile on his face everyday, he adored them. Glen and his family are very grateful to the endless family and friends who called and visited him in his final weeks. The family thanks the Homecare Hospice Staff for their loving care in his final days.
Family and Friends are invited to go directly to Northford Cemetery, Foote Hill Rd, Northford on Wednesday morning at 9:30 to attend a graveside Funeral Service. The visiting hours will be Tuesday (TODAY) from 4 to 8pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Memorial contributions can be made to Silver City Quarter Midget Club (non-profit youth racing organization), c/o Dawn LaBella, 51 Tomlinson Ave., Plainville, CT 06062 which was near and dear to his heart.