Edward James Reilly

Edward James Reilly, age 91 of Utica, died Friday, October 4, 2019 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan. He was born March 4, 1928 in Detroit, son of the late Edward James and the late Marie Helen (nee: Bridges) Reilly.

With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Edward for his service to our country during World War II as a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Serving aboard the USS Cheleb, Edward was assigned as the ships storekeeper and responsibly managed the merchandise for the crew. Yet perhaps more importantly were his duties as one of the ship's cooks, a job he loved and thrived in performing. Feeding others was something that Edward was born to do, and he loved doing it for his fellow crewman. Special mention can also be shared regarding the Bronze Star Edward received for heroism in the line of duty when he jumped overboard to rescue a sailor that had accidentally fallen into the waters. Edward's quick action and decisiveness helped make the difference in that young man's life. For serving with pride and honor, we extend our posthumous gratitude for the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm’s way for freedom’s sake.

Following Edward’s return home from military service, the sound of wedding bells could be heard as he and his bride Janice shared their vows and began their new life as husband & wife. In his search for work, Edward eventually landed a position in sales with a greeting card company. He gave it the ol’ college try, but selling cards would be short lived for Edward as his heart was being tugged by a different dream.

Possessing talents and skills in the culinary arts just came natural for Edward. There was no mistaking the fact that his ability to cook was a gift he received at birth, and the time was now right to unleash his talents and introduce them to the world,…at least to his little world in the bedroom community of Madison Heights. Along with his experiences in the Navy, coupled with his dream of owning a restaurant, Edward took that entrepreneurial leap of opening his own establishment, known by all as “The Coachman.” Serving up his own brand of traditional fare, many of Edward’s locals and regulars found his pizza and spaghetti to be the best around town. While operating his hometown business, Edward became intrigued by city government and decided to join the ranks of the Chamber of Commerce. He would ultimately evolve into a longtime member and would serve for many years as the Chamber’s President. Edward wore the position with pride and humility, and was an integral part of the chamber’s power upon the city and its surrounding businesses.

Being President must have been a meaningful and persuasive position for Edward as it was one that he earned through his fellow usher’s at the church he attended, St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Madison Heights. Not only was he a devout in his faith, but he cared deeply about working his faith out to the betterment of all in whose paths he crossed.

Like most of us, Edward had his favorite pastimes and things he liked to do in achieving a bit of balance in life, and one of these was golfing. Nothing says fun quite like spending a sunny day on the links, swingin’ the clubs, and dreaming of that elusive Hole-in-One. He was also a fan of fishing and loved casting his line out in search of “The Big One.” Alas, those dreams were replaced by more of the small to medium size variety, but there was still the peacefulness and serenity that always seemed to accompany this All-American sport,…and definitely, All-Michigan, for sure.

Edward also loved to go swimming. He wasn’t born with gills, but you would have never known it by the time he spent in the water,…and it was never more prevalent than on those wonderful trips that he and his family shared on the lakes in Michigan’s north country. Exchanging the concrete jungle for a bit of the Mitten’s up north experience was sought by Edward quite often, and was the source of many of his fondest family memories throughout the years.

Later in life, Edward took another leap,…this time into the world of computers where he became quite familiar in surfing the web, especially the Match.com site where he gained many wonderful friends. It’s amazing what a computer can do to enhance a life and Edward was happy to visit this site with extreme frequency. But thankfully, surfin’ the web was merely a hobby. His passion was reserved for those most precious in life, his cherished family. A loving father and grandfather, Edward strove to be the best and pave the way for his generations to follow. We know, at least, they were well fed and shared some tasty meals along the way. Yet they were fed with so much more, Edward’s love and adoration. And his love reached down, as well, for the “special child” in the bunch, his adoring puppy, “Bobby.” Edward was the consummate “Fur Daddy” to his little four-legged friend, his 5th child who is sure to miss him terribly. Bobby came along after Edward lost his first dog, “Robert,”…but as the movie title states; “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” So it’s heartwarming to imagine that Edward & Robert are together again enjoying a warm embrace.      

Edward was the beloved father of Karen (Rick) Gallivan, Kathleen (Lester) Potempa, Theresa (Eric) Thompson, and Anne Marie (Mark) Tomich. Loving grandfather of Mark (Julia) Laws, Monica (Christopher) Arthur, Megan Laws, Eric Potempa, Alexander (Amber) Reilly, Marko Tomich, Gianna Tomich, and great-grandfather of Christopher Arthur, Lincoln Laws, Calynn Arthur, Dylan Laws and Cole Arthur. Edward was preceded in death by sisters, Betty Reilly, Jean Lawrence, and Patricia Bohde.  

A Private Family Service will be held with burial to follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

Please share memories of Edward at his guest book below.