Joe was born in Yonkers, New York, a son of the late Patrick J. Reilly and Alice Slattery Reilly. He graduated in 1953 from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord in California.
Joe worked at Basils Market as a meat cutter on Yonkers Avenue where he met the love of his life, Maureen Merlino. They were married May 5, 1963.
In addition to his late wife, Maureen, of 59 years, Joe was predeceased by his sister, Vivian (Reilly) Glintenkamp and brother, Michael Reilly.
He was survived by his two sisters; Alice Reilly; Rosemary Reilly Camperlengo; a brother; Raymond Holiday. His daughter; Maureen P. Reilly; and sons: Patrick (Cheryl Finley), Joseph (Diane) and Daniel (Dawn Matera).
Also surviving are his grandchildren: Justin, Christopher, Patrick Jr., Joseph, Corey, Benjamin, Alex, Braden, Lilybella, and Chloe. His great grandchildren: Grace, Gabriel, Charlotte, Ezekiel, and Cashius.
Joe truly enjoyed life. He was an avid golfer who had a love for the game. He enjoyed fishing with his kids and watching sunsets with his wife at Herring Cove in Cape Cod, where they lived for several years.
After retiring, he and his wife moved back to Connecticut to spend as much time as they could with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Our dad will be dearly missed by family and friends. His family was his pride and joy. He showed unconditional love to all his family, he was a person you could count on and always there to help a person in need. Our father will leave behind a legacy of kindness and love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at St. Edward Church, New Fairfield. Burial with military honors will follow in Mt. View Cemetery, New Fairfield.
Friends will be received from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.
Contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association - Connecticut Chapter, Suite 4B, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489.
