Donald Fitzgerald Reilly

REILLY, Donald Fitzgerald, 92, passed peacefully January 6, 2017 at Morningside of Bellgrade in Midlothian, Virginia. Don was born August 1, 1924 in Philadelphia, PA, the youngest child of Charles William and Lenora Fitzgerald Reilly.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Jane Sublett Reilly, children James Reilly and wife Deborah, Margaret Molnar and husband Pete, Brad Walker and wife Joy, Patrick Reilly and wife Lynn, Jacqueline Stoneburner, Donald Reilly, Jr. and wife Victoria, daughter-in-law Kim Walker, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Reilly was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy Reilly, oldest daughter Sharon Reilly and son Michael Walker.

He spent his formative years in Harrisonburg where he developed a lifelong love with the Commonwealth of Virginia. He adored his older sister Dorothy Strauss and brother Charles William Reilly Jr., both of whom also predeceased him. He loved their families (now in New York City and Baltimore respectively), like his own.

Don followed his Dad’s and brother’s footsteps by attending Va. Tech in the ROTC program. He was in the Class of 1944 and graduated in 1946 after serving two years as a First Lieutenant in the Merchant Marines during World War II. During his time at Tech, he distinguished himself in athletics, earning letters in both Boxing and Track. He remained a competitor and ardent Hokie throughout his life.

Upon graduating with a degree in Business Management, Don joined General Electric in Human Resources working in Pittsfield, MA, Baltimore, MD, Binghampton, Buffalo and Syracuse, NY before returning to Virginia. He was recruited by Dr. Dana Hamel, the first Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System to organize and implement a workforce development program to support economic development in Virginia. He worked with over 3,000 new and expanding businesses in every area of the state and traveled the globe supporting major domestic, international and small businesses including Canon, Nabisco, Volvo Truck, Hills Brothers Coffee, Siemens, Printpack and GE as just a few examples.

Don received awards throughout his career from Governors and various agencies and was most honored to be named a Cardinal by the Virginia Economic Developers Association. This reflected his work for six Governors supporting economic development throughout the Commonwealth for over 30 years.

After retirement in 1991, Don worked at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce expanding businesses’ voice in government. He was a progressive, passionate, team-oriented, manufacturing and HR professional. He was an optimist that believed in people and gave them a high reputation to live up to. He was exceptionally loyal to all those he was associated with.

Don was instrumental in helping many get into the Virginia universities of their choice as well as assisting in career placement. He never met a stranger, loved people and was tenacious in using his contacts to help others.

Don remained an athlete throughout his life with a special love for the game of tennis where he remained competitive well into his 80’s. He loved supporting his children’s athletic pursuits as spectator, coach or administrator. You always knew who Don was cheering for - sometimes to the angst of the officials!

The family will receive friends Friday, January 13, 2017 from 6-8PM at the Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Saturday, January 14 at 11:30AM at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Rd. Interment Dale Memorial Park. The family will also receive friends prior to the service at St. Edwards beginning at 10:45AM.