Robert T. Reilly, 75, of Sheffield passed away on Friday January 8, 2016 at Fairview Commons Nursing Home in Great Barrington. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Joseph John and Josephine (Juliano) Reilly. He attended public schools in Brooklyn and graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in June 1957.
Bob was an accomplished swimmer and while in high school competed on the swimming team. He also served as a Junior Lifeguard at the local Y.M.C.A. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was a member of the first All Brooklyn High School Graduate Company. Induction ceremonies were held at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn between games of a double header between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Many luminaries were in attendance. He graduated from the U.S. Navy Submarine School in December 1957 and was assigned to Submarine Squadron Eight, where he served out his enlistment. He was honorably discharged in July 1963.
Bob loved the country and moved to the Berkshires in 1970. He was a lifelong cook and worked at several area schools and restaurants, such as the White Hart Inn, Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn., Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Colburn School, Captain Toss and Village Inn in Lenox. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 9243 in Lakeville since 1974. Bob leaves his beloved wife Adele (Wuori) Reilly, whom he married on February 14, 1999. He also leaves his sister Ann, of Denver, Colo., his sister in law Maria of Burlington, Vt., his nephew Tom and his lovely daughter Maya of Essex, Vt., numerous brothers and sisters in law, and his mother in law Ruth Wuori. He was predeceased by his brother Joe Reilly.
A graveside service with Military Honors for Robert T. Reilly who died January 8 will be held on Wednesday January 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Sheffield Center Cemetery in Sheffield, Mass., with Rev. Kenneth Phesay officiating. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Bob’s memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund or Berkshire Humane Society in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
