Richard John "Rich" Reilly

Richard John Reilly

May 13, 1936 – July 7, 2022

Richard John “Rich” Reilly, 86, passed away late Thursday at Homewood at Martinsburg.  He was born in Chester, PA, son of the late Francis J. and M. Winifred (Gilmore) Reilly and spent much of his youth and adult life in and around Maryland and the District of Columbia. According to legend, he began a lifelong pursuit of actively defying authority as a young boy running wild in and around what is now Joint Base Anacostia – Bolling, which is ironic given that after serving his country in the U.S. Army he went on to serve his community as an officer in the Montgomery County, Prince George’s County police forces. Rich received multiple commendations for his service to these communities, including a letter dated January 27, 1971 in which the Director of the Clearwater Nature Center wrote of her appreciation for Private Richard Reilly of the Park Police, who “[had] always been willing to participate and [had] shown great patience and respect for these lively youngsters” who visited the park and were thrilled to meet the “’Ranger with the horse.”

Rich took great joy in finding mischief for himself (and anyone else he could lure in with him) – but mostly he took great joy from life. As “The Right Reverend Cornelius B. Brown, LCOC” to his fishing buddies, he was instigator and partner to over 50 years of fly-fishing trips (and many other activities that can’t be printed here to protect the identities of those involved).  As “Uncle Ritchie” to his nieces and nephews and other friends, he was quick with a joke or a story – or whatever it took to make sure everyone was happy. As “Dad” to his two sons, he was weekend, pre-dawn phone calls in college and off-color emails on May First. But to everyone (and often people he’d never met before), he was simply interested – he was eager to take time to talk and curious to hear their story.

He is survived by Jean Ann Reilly, his beloved wife of 43 years, his son Kevin Reilly and grandson (Christopher) and granddaughter (Kelly), his son Todd Reilly (Christine) and two granddaughters (Caroline and Emma), his sister Phyllis Baiocchi (Frank), and a long list of nieces, nephews, friends, and acquaintances (a few of whom might still be holding grudges).  He was preceded in death by a brother, Francis A. "Buddy" Reilly.

Arrangements for a memorial service have not yet been determined. Instead of flowers, you might consider doing any or all of the following:

·   Make a donation to Homewood Foundation (link: https://homewood.com/foundation/make-gift-today); The staff at Homewood took such wonderful care of Rich for the past few years and continue to care for Jean.

·   Make a donation to Penns Creek chapter of Trout Unlimited (link: https://gifts.tu.org/donate2?ms=MWL-WFO-WUNREST-NB&_ga=2.208848594.1363132819.1657289087-241018436.1657289087); Rich and his friends spent literally hundreds of hours thrashing the Penns Creek with fly line, occasionally catching fish, and creating lifelong friendships.

·    Listen to Bluegrass Music every once in a while. Rich loved Bluegrass and would love to think that others helped keep the artform going.

·    Find people interesting. Every once in a while, just have a conversation with someone (maybe someone you don’t know) to learn their story.

Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg