William Thomas Reilly

October 14, 1952 – May 1, 2026

William Thomas “Bill” Reilly, of Leland, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the love of his family and his devoted wife, Karen Sage Reilly.

Born in Chicago on October 14, 1952, Bill attended Mountain Lakes High School in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. He had a successful career in construction management in NYC. Throughout his life, Bill was known for his deep love of music, sports, family, and the simple joys that brought people together.

Music was one of Bill’s greatest passions. Whether during Sunday band practices at home or performing with family and friends at local venues, his love of playing guitar created lasting memories and inspired many around him. He was an avid athlete growing up, passionately playing basketball and baseball, and later found great joy playing tennis with his sons. Bill also loved spending time at the beach and was a voracious reader with a lifelong curiosity about the world.

Bill was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Sage Reilly; his children, Derek Reilly, Alex Reilly (Jamie), Dean Reilly, Steffan Paz, and Rachel Paz; and his cherished grandchildren, Milo, Emmeline, Rowan and Callahan. He is also survived by his siblings: Karen Crotty, Tim Reilly (Claudia), Judy Cook-Guadenzi (Frank), John Reilly, Matthew Reilly, and Daniel Reilly, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Bill’s warmth, humor, music, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him — including his loyal dogs, Jozie and Rocco.

A celebration of Bill’s life is being planned, with details to be shared by the family.

In Bill's memory, donations can be made to

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare https://lifecare.org or

Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research https://lustgarten.org