Cyril Boris Reshetiloff

Cyril Boris Reshetiloff was born April 12, 1923 in New York City. His parents Victoria (Mozert) and Boris Reshetiloff were Russian immigrants fleeing the Revolution, with their two sons, Theodore and Igor. Victoria, pregnant at the time, gave birth to Cyril when they arrived in New York. Their surname Reshetilov was promptly changed at Ellis Island to Reshetiloff. Welcome to America!

He grew up in Melville, NY and when WWII broke out, he enlisted in 1942 and was sent to England. On Christmas Eve, 1944, he was placed on a ship with over 2000 American troops of the 66th Panther Division bound for Cherbourg, France. When the ship, the SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German U-boat, 763 American soldiers were killed; 493 bodies were never recovered. Cyril was pulled from the icy waters of the English Channel and is believed to have been among the last few, if not the last, living survivor of this tragedy.

After the War, he attended the University of Missouri on the GI Bill and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical and petroleum engineering. He married Caroline “Susie” Brady of Huntington, NY, on September 7, 1957. They honeymooned on their sailboat Bala cruising the Long Island Sound. Sailing became their passion for years to come.

They settled in Huntington, NY where their first son, Rurik, was born. In 1962, Cyril got a position in Washington, DC with the Central Intelligence Agency as a Russian interpreter. The family then moved to Annapolis, MD where their second son, Gregory, was born. In 1972, their third son, Theodore was born.

Cyril was an avid sailor who belonged to the Annapolis Power Squadron where he taught many others important skills including celestial navigation and piloting. After retiring, Cyril, Caroline and their son Ted embarked on a year-long cruise aboard their yawl, Antares, down to Florida and back. In later years, he and his wife traveled extensively abroad, including two trips to Russia, as well as visits to Egypt, Morocco and several other European destinations via river cruises.

As a resident of Annapolis, MD for 63 years, Cyril enjoyed supporting his local community. He volunteered his time and service for many years to the Annapolis Civitan Club, serving a few rounds as President of the Chapter. He enjoyed his shifts as a holiday “bell-ringer,” collecting donations for children with disabilities and special needs. He was a devoted member of his church, Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, in Baltimore. He especially loved participating in the annual Russian Festival where he could be seen selling icons and other Russian gifts while dressed in his traditional Russian attire. He took great pride in his homemade Russian tea sausage which was always a big hit at the yearly fundraiser.

Cyril is survived by his wife Caroline, his sons Rurik (Chris), Gregory (Kathy) and Theodore (Claudia), as well as his four grandchildren: Sarah Jane, Stella, Maxwell and Anya. It must be mentioned that of all “Pop’s” accomplishments, none meant more to him than his loving family. He was so proud of the way we all have remained close, a relationship he did not get to enjoy with his brothers. His legacy of love and devotion to his family, friends, and community endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He passed peacefully in his sleep on March 4, his beloved wife of 69 years by his side, just one month shy of his 103rd birthday.

He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

A viewing will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 E Fairmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 2 in Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 E Fairmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231.

Interment Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cemetery, 6480 Elibank Road, Elkridge, MD 21075.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kennedy Krieger Institute: https://www.kennedykrieger.org