John Lawrence Reilly of St. Louis, and life-long resident of Alton, IL, died unexpectedly on 10/07/2020 at the age of 78
Loving husband for 56 years of Alicia Reilly (nee Cruz); beloved son of the late Edward and Virginia Reilly; devoted father of Alicia Hawkins (Stephen), Tricia Newell (Jim) and Dr. Melissa Reilly; cherished grandfather of Marielle Newell, Jimmy Newell, Isabel Newell, Reilly Hawkins, and John Newell; dear brother of Richard (Betty) Reilly, Mary 'Sis' (the late Edward) Gray and Margaret (Hugh) Burns; proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his sister Catherine 'Kate' (the late Richard 'Dick') Harig, and his brothers Rev. Msgr. Edward Reilly and Rev. F. Joseph Reilly.
John, a devout Catholic, was a long-time member of St Mary's Church in Alton, and recently St Clair of Assisi Parish in Ellisville MO. A graduate of CBC and St. Benedict's College, John was an avid sportsman, with a special love for golf, baseball, track, tennis, soccer and football. Known for his sense of humor, his tremendous generosity, and his unflagging optimism, John was loved, and will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial mass will be celebrated for John on Thursday, October 15th, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 519 E 4th St, Alton, IL 62002.
Cremation rites were accorded by Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral home in Godfrey, IL.
Online condolences may be made at eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
