John Perez Reilly

John Perez Reilly died Monday, December 30, 2013 in the city he loved, New Orleans, LA at age 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfrieda and Harry Reilly Sr. and his wife Toyoko Ko Reilly. Mr. Reilly is survived by his six children, Michael Reilly (Dawn), Brenda Reilly, Sharon Reilly, Timothy Reilly, Cynthia Render-Leach (Frank Leach), Linda Reilly; four grandchildren, Celeste Reilly Dargent (Remi), Hannah Render, Ian Render, Camille Mullins; his brother, Harry Reilly Jr. (Joan); and his sister, Patricia Rebenne (John).

John’s life was filled with a thousand stories or jokes which he loved to tell. The backdrop for his stories was of a life growing up in New Orleans, his wife and children, military service, a career as an investigator, or his extended family lovingly known as “The Shepherds.” After graduating from Jesuit High School, he enlisted in the Army. While stationed in Japan he met and married the love of his life, Toyoko (Miyako) Reilly. Upon returning to the states he graduated from Loyola University and worked as an Investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. After 35 years of federal service he retired and moved to Long Beach, MS but returned to New Orleans where he felt most at home.

John had a gift of gab but also a gift of writing. Armed with a typewriter or pen he wrote many letters or notes. The final chapter of John’s life was one where his writing skills took on a new purpose. He developed a love of poetry and crafted a collection of several hundred poems. His themes were of his life’s experiences, Irish immigrants, but most were dedicated and written about his beautiful “Cho-Cho San.”

Relatives and friends are invited to the celebration of John’s life. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Schoen Funeral Home 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, on Saturday, January 4, 2014 and visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Monroe Library of Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, Box 198, New Orleans, LA 70118 are preferred. Condolences may be expressed online www.schoencanalstreet.com

Arrangements under the direction of Schoen Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA.