Richard T. (Dick) Reilly, age 85, beloved husband of the late Loretta Reilly, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2019 with his children by his bedside, after his hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Dick was born on Feb. 17, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY. and was the first child of the late Violet and James Reilly. He grew up briefly in NYC, before the family moved to the Hamden area and here he would remain well into his adult life. Before graduating from Hamden High School in 1954, Dick served his country honorably during the Korean War (1950 – 52) while serving in the 43rd Infantry of the Army. Later he married the “love of his life” Loretta Maffei, also from Hamden and then graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1958.
He started a successful career working for both Cott Soda & Canada Dry as a plant manager, followed by a 2nd career with BFI, Waste Management Inc. and Latella Waste Management. In 2007 he retired to pursue his other life enjoyments including playing golf, traveling, and watching his beloved Quinnipiac sports teams with his dear friend Anne Balogh. He was a devoted husband, father, and uncle who cherished his time spent with family. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and Sons of the American Revolution. He is survived by his brother Robert, of North Haven and his children Kevin (Linda) of Council, ID, Erin (Alastair) of Madison, Jennifer (Steve) of Yardley, PA, Loretta of Aston, PA & daughter-in-law Carrie Marrero of Lansdale, PA. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Natasha, Matt, Caroline, Jarel, Stevie, Jenae, Michael, Tyler, & Gabriella, his great grandchildren Alex, Emily, & Orion and all of his nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Howard, James, & Raymond, sister Brenda, and son Robert Marrero.
Visitation hours will be held between 12-1:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name may be made to Quinnipiac University at www.qu.edu.
As Richard was fond of saying to family & friends alike, “Keep the Faith…”
Wow! I remember first meeting the Reilly’s (Jenn) when invited for a sleepover. Such fond memories and Mr. Reilly was so funny!!!! The day he passed, I saw a vision of him dancing (for those of you who knew him- he would dance with his hands behind his back while whistling and appeared to be skating) SO FUNNY!!!!! He was such a calm person, always speaking softly. The only time he was “mildly annoyed” (slight emphasis in tone mind you) was at his baby daughter Rhett! But you could tell Rhett was Dad’s baby.
And Mr. Reilly never aged! Hard to believe he was 85. Each year that passed since I met him you couldn’t tell his age. My mom (rest in Peace) always kept saying how “good looking” Mr. Reilly was. So funny! The last time she said that was when we were at his wife’s memorial in Yardley. Such memories.
Such as memories of them both. I will miss both dearly…
Love you guys : Kevin, Erin, Jenn, Loretta
Erin,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry for you loss. My prayers are with Richard’s family during this difficult time.
I am so very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. He was fortunate to have you for a daughter. I am sure you brought him comfort and love in his last days.
Love,
ChAr
So sorry for your loss. Thank you sir for your service to our country. Reading this , it must be said “life well lived” and what a great message to leave your family with, “keep the faith.” Sending you my heartfelt sympathies Loretta and family.
My condolences to the Dick’s family he was a great person and well respected
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you sir for your service to our country. After reading this it must be said “life well lived.” And what a great message to leave to your family “keep the faith.” My deepest sympathies to Loretta and your family.
Mr. Reilly was such a kind, quiet, handsome man and I am so sorry for the family ‘s loss. I enjoyed reading about his life as there were many impressive things I didn’t know about him! Sending love to the family at this difficult time.
XOXO
We send our deepest condolence and prayers to our extended family and sister Jennifer keep ur head up sis we here for you
We are so sorry for your loss. Ed knew Dick from Hamden and I met him at Quinnipiac at the hockey and basketball games that he and Anne would attend, he was a wonderful man.
Loretta, Jen, Erin & Kevin,
I have been thinking of you all during this very sad time. I loved growing up nextdoor to “The Reilly’s”. I have so many fond memories of your family, especially having Christmas dinner at your house. Your dad was always so nice to me. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Saturday. Rest in peace Mr. Reilly.
Loretta, Jen, Erin & Kevin,
I have been thinking of you all during this very sad time. I loved growing up next door to The Reilly’s. I have so many fond memories of your family, especially having Christmas dinner at your house. Your dad was always so nice to me. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Saturday. Rest in peace Mr. Reilly.
We knew your dad thru Anne and enjoyed him so much. We got to know him at hockey games @ QU and then got to spend some time with him and Anne. We are so sorry for your loss and ours!. He was a great guy who always talked lovingly of his kids and grandkids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori and Tom Cashman
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Reilly family especially to my friend Loretta. Always remember all l the family occasions and memories that were made.
I am sorry for your los. He was such a nice person . I know that he is in heaven right now. And probably getting together with Larreta.
I’m sorry for your loss. He was such a nice person. He is probably in heaven right now getting together with Loretta.
Dearest cousins and grandchildren,
You are blessed to have had a such a gentle, loving father and grandfather. He lived a wonderful life. I’m sure that he will be watching over you with your mom.
My childhood memories of Uncle Dick are of a very warm and friendly uncle. He was always an easy going and kind person. He was always good to us. I never remember one unkind word from my uncle, not one ever.
As a wonderful father and grandfather Dick will be very, very missed. He loved you all so, so much!
Your dad and granddad is such a huge loss. It was so nice to have him on your life’s journey. Please know your all being held tightly in prayer at this very sad time.
All my love and hugs,
Tara
My deepest condolences. Dick was always great to be around. His sense of humor was always a spirit lifter. I’m lucky to have had him as a friend. He will be greatly missed.
Our hearts are heavy. May he Rest In Peace. May he guide you all
Thru the pain. You’ve gain another Angel. We love you Jenn, Steve
Deepest condolences to the whole family. I know how much he will be missed by family an friends, of which he had many.I especially will miss our long talks after a golf match. R.I.P. Buddy.
Whenever I heard Mr Reilly was joining us for a meal, when I was visiting my brother Alastair and sister-in-law Erin, I always felt a buzz of excitement. He was always such fun to be around and talk to. His interests in so many things and his conversational manner always made meals so enjoyable in his company. I will always remember our talks about fashion and reminiscences about days gone by and what people wore. He was a kind, compassionate, charming and elegant man. I’ll miss his company and his handsome smile.
What a wonderful tribute. I very much enjoyed reading about his incredible life. I thank him for her service. What a legacy he leaves behind.
On behalf of the DeNardis family, I would like to express our deepest condolences. We came to know Dick in later years through his involvement with the community and were proud to call him a friend. A kind, warm hearted and delightful person that brought good cheer to many wonderful events. We will remember him fondly and miss him.
Loretta, Jen, Erin, and Kevin;
I am thinking about your Dad, and you right now…
Your Dad was always the nicest, most genteel, and handsome man!
I was happy to have him as my next door neighbor for so many years, as was Alan!
Our families shared good times together!
I love you all, and have fond memories of your house, especially at Christmas time…
Your mom and I had the best times together, and Alan and I especially enjoyed and appreciated when your dad came to Scott’s basketball games at Pennington!
I know how much you loved your dad, and that is a tribute to him. He did a fine job being your Dad! <3
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He was a very sweet man. Sydney and I send you all big hugs and prayers.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like an incredible man and we all know how much he meant to you and your family. God bless and keep you.
The Kramer Family
Aston, PA
Dear Dick’s Family,
He was a wonderful man. I knew him because I am the manager of the Co-op and he was the president. He always cared so much for the community. I enjoyed working with him and he will be greatly missed. May he Rest In Peace and May his family find strength during this difficult time.