Michael "Tony" Anthony O'Reilly

Michael Anthony “Tony” O’Reilly—beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend—passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 65.

Tony was born on January 5, 1961, at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Michael and Lenore O’Reilly. From the beginning, he was known as a happy and easygoing child who got along well with others. As he grew, he developed a strong sense of independence and determination along with a natural curiosity for how things worked.

Tony showed his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit early in life. At seven years old, he took his dad’s shoeshine kit and waited for men leaving the horse racing venue at Hollywood Park. He charged 25 cents to clean and shine their shoes. He was a bright student and a true go-getter who liked to stay busy and build things. Whether digging in the dirt to create something new or working with his hands, Tony found joy in making and fixing things.

Tony graduated from Kanab High School, where he excelled in baseball and helped his team win a state title. He could play any position on the baseball diamond and had a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball and football. He was a die-hard Raiders fan and proudly wore Raiders gear everywhere he went. His vehicles always had a Raiders sticker and a Raiders license plate frame on them. He was a fan of the L.A. sports teams, as he also loved the Dodgers and Lakers.

In high school, Tony found fulfillment working as a cook at a restaurant in Kanab, where he was proud to say he kept the tidiest kitchen in the whole county! After high school, he enlisted in the US Army National Guard in Cedar City and later retired after more than twenty years of service.

Military service was a central part of Tony’s life. He served two tours in Iraq during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His stories of swimming in Saddam Hussein’s palace pool were the stuff of legend! He was proud to serve his country and to protect the freedoms enjoyed in the United States of America. We honor and salute Tony for his dedication and service.

Tony had a deep appreciation for classic cars, especially Chevrolet. He enjoyed trading parts, sharing knowledge with other enthusiasts, and working on project cars. He loved attending car shows and taking trips with family, including a memorable trip with his cousin to see a Pontiac Firebird in Victorville, California. His love for cars, camping, the military, and American traditions reflected his strong personality and interests. His experiences as a soldier fostered a special affinity for pistols, rifles, and other military weapons.

Music was always part of Tony’s life, especially classic rock. He attended many concerts and kept ticket stubs from nearly every show. His nieces and nephews fondly recall that music was always playing in his car and at home.

Though Tony loved cats for most of his life, he later became devoted to his dog, Ruby. He went above and beyond to care for her. He built a ramp so she could get into his truck and made a comfortable space for her inside. His dedication to Ruby was surprising and heartwarming to all who knew him.

Tony faced serious health challenges throughout his life. He was injured during the second tour to Iraq, which led to his retirement from the military. More recently, he suffered a fall that resulted in a major neck injury. After surgery, he showed remarkable resilience during recovery. He worked hard each day to regain strength and independence. He set alarms to stay on schedule and to make sure Ruby got her walks. Those who cared for him remember his positive attitude and how pleasant he remained.

In his later years, Tony’s heart softened, and he made efforts to strengthen relationships. He rekindled his relationship with his father during the last year and a half of his life. He valued connection and showed his love through visits and time spent with family.

To say Tony took great pride in his family would be an understatement. He often spoke about their accomplishments and stayed in contact with friends across California, Nevada, and Utah. He made it a habit to call people just to check in. Although he was not ashamed to brag about his familial accolades, he was also not shy about his perfect credit score of 850! He had worked very hard to achieve what only a small percentage of people will ever attain.

Tony had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. Though he never had children of his own, he cherished those relationships. He took them on trips, made them meals, and took them camping. He attended their weddings and offered advice when needed. He found joy in simple moments like taking them to lunch or teaching them something new. He was protective, attentive, and truly invested in their lives. His smile was infectious and his laugh unforgettable.

One niece remembers a trip to Wyoming, where Tony bought her Golden Grahams cereal for breakfast. It is still her favorite today. Another remembers a special trip to Lagoon and the many lunches Uncle Tony treated her to over the years.

Tony will be remembered as a hardworking and independent man who cared deeply for others. He was driven, loyal, and never afraid of hard work. He took pride in his life and in the people he loved.

Tony is survived by his father, Michael O’Reilly (Lupe); his seven brothers: John (Diedra), Mark, Joseph (Marie), Joshua (Kristen), Sione (Tara), Filipe (Liz), and Aleki; and his three sisters: Salote McKenzie (Brian), Davin Smith, and Lucy McMillan (Brandon). He is also survived by his stepfather, Dave Smith, and three step-sisters: Terri Long (Gary), Kelli Skousen (Rich), and Traci Capello.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lenore, and his eldest sister, Mechele.

Tony leaves behind a legacy of independence, resilience, dedication, generosity, and connection. His life was marked by effort, growth, and love for those around him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A Military Honors Service for Tony will begin on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:20 AM at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005, where he will be laid to rest.