Matthew Paul Reilly

Friends and family,

On Thursday, May 21, Matthew Paul Reilly, husband to Evir, son to Cindy and John Reilly, brother to Kerry and Jake, and grandson to Patricia Dorland, passed away from complications resulting from an automobile accident sustained a week earlier on May 14. Matt departed this world a week shy of his 41st birthday.

Matt exuded vitality and his unique personality and friendliness were contagious. He was intelligent, clever, and creative – a free spirit and a Renaissance man in the truest sense. Matt wore a great many hats in the course of his life – his unqualified favorite being the mesh-backed trucker variety. He was a loving and caring son, brother, and husband and a devoted father of his dogs; a beloved teacher to hundreds of students and parents, for the past five years at Newport Mill Middle School; a talented DJ, cook and caterer; a gardener, craftsman, and handyman; an advocate and campaigner; a skilled artist and poet; a lover of learning and possessor of vast knowledge in science and culture; and a curator of a fascinating collection of cultural and personal treasures.

Matt offered so much to the world, but his tremendous generosity stands apart. Matt shone brightest when he could share his various gems with others. Not surprisingly, then, Matt gave to the end, with his organ donation sustaining life for others. As his family, we can now take comfort in knowing that Matt’s pervasive spirit of generosity will live on in those who receive these precious gifts of Matt’s life.

As a lover of food, music, and friends, rest assured that we hope to celebrate Matt’s life with a wonderful celebration in the coming months. Those interested in receiving updates on future celebration plans can email [email protected] to make sure you’re included.

For those interested in honoring Matt’s legacy now, we have selected the following three organizations reflecting Matt’s passions and his spirit of giving. We also welcome donations to the charity of your choice, especially those that further Matt’s many loves.

The Montgomery County (MD) Society for the Protection and Care of Animals

The Maryland Science Center

World Central Kitchen

Sincerely,

The Reilly Family