William P. Reilly

William P. Reilly, 80, of Sparta, NJ passed away at home on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Bill was born in Staten Island, NY and was a resident of Sparta for 45 years. He was a 1952 graduate of Xavier High School in Manhattan and a graduate of St. Louis University, class of 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Bill was a proud member of the US Navy entering as an Ensign and serving 4 years on active duty. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander after serving 20 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Before moving to Sparta, he was a member of Knights of Columbus where he met a few of his lifelong friends. Bill was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Oak Ridge where he attended daily mass and previously sang in the choir. He also was a member of the Sparta Kiwanis. In the early days Bill kept busy coaching Little League and in his retirement he kept busy delivering food for Meals on Wheels. He was originally a Brooklyn Dodger fan but grew to love his NY METS. Bill was a devoted husband, dependable father and a loyal friend. He is predeceased by his beloved son William P. Reilly Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia (Harrison) Reilly; 3 daughters: Theresa Bernardino and her husband Mark of Charlottesville, VA; Mary Beth Rambush and her husband Kenneth of Flemington, NJ; and Kathleen Britt and her husband William of Downers Grove, IL; brother of Colleen Dolan and Peter C. Reilly and proud grandfather of: Kathleen, Megan, Michael, Kevin, Sean, Ryan, Michaela, Reilly, and Shannon. Friends may call Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 2-4, 7-9pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. A funeral mass will be held 10:30am Friday at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, NJ. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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