He was one of the few teachers that truly cared  about his students. He will be thought of fondly by many.

Wow! You were the nicest, kindest, funniest, teacher I ever encountered in my life. You treated all of us the same. The love you had for your students was unmatched. I love you Mr. Riley, may you continue to rest in peace.

My sadness is deep at finding our beloved teacher has passed away.  
My deepest sympathies, and condolences (even though delayed) to his wife, family, friends, colleagues and students.
Mr Reilly was my favorite  teacher during the time of my parents divorce, which was a painful time for our family.  Even when I was supposed to be in another class he would allow me to stay in the art studio, because I was struggling to cope with our family’s break up.
What a kind and caring soul he was to so many of us.  There will truly be treasures in Heaven for him, because of the wonderful heart he had for all of us.  
Thank you so very much Mr Reilly❣️
___ 1971-1973 RE Lee
         __ Barbara Hendrix 💐

I was proud to have Mr. Reilly as my Art, Study Hall, and Yearbook teacher throughout my four years at Robert E. Lee 93-97. He was very talented and thoughtful to all of his students and showed each individual ways to express their artistic abilities. God bless you Mrs. Reilly and to all the family he will truly be missed. Beautiful memorial video. 

Valerie Keister c/o ‘97

Mr. Reilly was such a great source of inspiration to so many. He could help me calm my anxiety, even though I didn't know I had it, or how to meditate yet! All he had to say was "Michelle, it's going to be aaaalllllrightttt." 

I had the privilege of attending his art class all 4 years of high school at Lee, along with yearbook class during the last 2 years. That final year was 1995. I only needed 1 credit to graduate. Yearbook was 4th period. Unfortunately, due to the rules,  I wasn't permitted to attend that period exclusively. 

I still went to all 4 classes each day, just so I could be in Mr. Reilly's class. I was also honored that he selected me to be our Yearbook Editor that final year.

He was so artistic, witty & had a huge heart. Those of us blessed to be in his classes (over the decades) were able to witness a true legend! 

We will miss you dearly Mr. Reilly! See you again one day in Heaven, where I'm sure you're keeping others entertained & creating masterpieces! 

I was honored you kept my stippling of the Vanilla Fields hummingbird. I just wish I had a color copier back then!!!

Praying for your family's comfort during their time of grief. They were especially blessed to have you! 

I'm so sorry you're gone from our view for now. Rest In Peace. Hopefully you don't have old students harassing you on the other side!!! I know you're smiling at us all!

My favorite teacher of all time. See you at the horizon line/vanishing point. 🎨🖌️♥️

Coach Reilly,

Thank you for all the talks and time we shared coaching the Lee high swimming team and all the laps we swam together.  Thank you for all your dedication and service to the education of so many students.


In memory of Mr.Reilly, he was a great teacher and also a comedian who kept the class laughing at his funny jokes and that’s something I’ll always remember about him. A phenomenal guy who everyone will truly miss and enjoyed being around.

Mr Reilly was one of those teachers that u knew genuinely cared about his students. He left a mark on so many of us and will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Mr. Reilly was one of my favorite art teachers, ever. I believe I had him 2 of my 3 years at Lee HS. He was kind, humorous and easy-going, not to mention very talented. He  was quick to speak praise of our work, which only drove us to push a little mharder toward making whatever art project we had going at the time the best it could be. My condolences to the family in this loss of a sweet man and great teacher.  Peace to you all.


My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Reilly... May they  find comfort in his precious memory during this difficult time............. I had Mr Reilly as an art teacher back in the early 70"s at Robert E Lee High School... He was a very talented art teacher and had a great rapport with his students.....R.I.P.  Mr Reilly!  You will be missed but your memory will remain with us always!  May God Bless his family.


Paul was one of my favorite people.  My favorite memory is of him taking my husband fishing.  Nelson’s health wasn’t so good but Paul gave us a wonderful day by the Saint Johns sitting in chairs he provided because he knew Nelson could not stand for long.  I also remember his swim team which was about inclusion not exclusion.  There was always room for a student who wanted to swim and they were cheered on when them swam even if the were the last to finish.  My Sudanese god daughter learned to swim from Paul and grew in confidence because of him.  Now she works for Alaska Airlines.  Nothing is impossible when you have been given an opportunity to grow.  Praying for you Susan that God will comfort you.

Mr. Reilly,

You will forever be my favorite art teacher. I learned so much about color blending in your class. Your humor was always top notch dry wit, dead pan, and you always answered my millions of questions.

I know I'm a better artist because of your influence, and maybe even funnier because of you too.

Everyone wanted to skip classes and be in your art class. You were so chill, being in your class felt more like a hangout.

Mr. Reilly, we'll miss you.

Mr. Reilly you will forever live in the hearts so many students who’s lives you have touched! I was in your class every year of my 4 years at Robert E Lee (c/o 2004) you were the highlight of my day! You always made yourself available to listen without judgment and you will be dearly missed! Fly high, may your soul rest in eternal peace! 

I never had him as an "assigned" teacher, but I spent a lot of time in his class. Kids skip school, it is what you do. We always skipped class and went to Mr. Reilly's class. All the kids wanted to be in his room because he was just a great and genuine guy.  He was literally the coolest guy in school and everyone wanted to be around him - and you knew he wanted to be around us as well. Thanks for the great memories. My thoughts are with the Reilly family. <3 

Mr. Reilly is the funniest teacher I’ve ever had. I was blessed to have him in my life. 

I remember him making everyone stop what we were doing to tell us about his dream of eating a giant marshmallow and waking up and his pillow was gone. 

I dropped by his classroom one time to ask if he had popsicle sticks for a project in another class  and he made the class stop what they were doing and asked them if they had any pot for Chris. 

I was fortunate enough to have him for study hall my senior year.  He set me up a desk right next to his and he told me so many hilarious stories about his childhood adventures. He told me about the time he ran his dad over with his go cart, put a cat in his neighbors washing machine, threw water balloons from the roof and his friend getting in trouble for it, and so many more. I have shared these stories that he told me so many times. He also taught me how to invest in the stock market. He will forever live on in the memories of those that were blessed to have him as a teacher and coach. Thank you for the impact you made in my life.

I will always remember Mr. Riley. He was AMAZING.  I took art my junior year, 1983.  I wasnt very confident and he helped me see my potential.  I will never forget him. He was quiet, but had a commanding presence.  He was always aware of all of us in his classes.  He was to me, the most respected of them all that I had.
Prayers to the family.
RIP.
Vicki (Kuehl) Newby.  CO 1984.

I had yearbook with Mr. Reilly in ‘96-‘97. Mr. Reilly believed in me. He encouraged me to keep taking pictures, even after graduation.  I remember him telling me to get “up close and personal.” Because of his influence I stepped out of my comfort zone and have been able to do things that I know I wouldn’t have been able to do without his influence.
 Thank you, Mr. Reilly, for taking the time to show your students that really did care. 

Karen Erdel

Mr.Reilly. Thank you for being there for us all on 9-11. I will never forget how you helped us all understand the magnitude of what was happening in our country. Thank you for taking me surfing with you and your boy, I needed that connection to the ocean and the laughter. You brought me so much joy and taught me the awesomeness of sarcasm and the exceptional escape that art has provided me during my happiest and most grievous hours. With all my heart, thank you for every moment you shared of your life as my teacher and friend. Rest in paradise.


He was one of my favorite teachers at Robert E Lee Sr. High School....So much fun to be in his class I use to skip Journalism just to hang out in his class an extra period on top of Art and Yearbook. Shawn (my husband) and I met in his class my sophomore year.... He use to just look at both of us and shake his head. He gave me an art award my senior year...I learned a lot from him....always remember watch advertisments are 10 and 2... He will be truly missed.


I had Mr. Reilly for Art and Yearbook; however I spent so much more time in his classroom than for just those classes. His class was a place all students felt welcome and accepted!!
I can only hope through my career as a teacher I have the impact he had on students!! 
Prayers and love to his wife and family! 

I have always remembered you fondly. We would drop down signs, outside the building,  down to the Drama room windows, to help you court your future wife.  Thank you for creating wonderful memories for me at Lee. 1989-1992
Sherri Star Pekks (Lindsey)

I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Reilly for art. He was one of the most genuine teachers I ever had. His class was a safe and open place where you could express yourself. I chose my daughter’s middle name (Rylee) because of how much of remarkable impact he had in my life. You will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you for always allowing everyone to be who they were. 

 I had Mr. Riley for art in 1973 at Lee and he taught me so much. I remember a watercolor that I did of a country road and a train track in a small town.  I had no clue what I was doing but he guided us all through it and when I finished I thought wow this man can teach.   He was so quiet but with a funny sense of humor. We always felt like he treated us as more than 17 year olds.  Praying God’s comfort for the family.  I would imagine he was an awesome grandfather!

Coach Reilly,
My fellow Nole! You will be greatly missed. We shared some great times at Lee. Prayers for Susan and family.


My heart is broken. He was so special to me. When I was a senior in high school (class of ‘79)I had him for art. He was so sad everyday because he was getting a divorce. We would talk about it and how much he loved Tracey and was so sad for the split. He showed be note cards that he was making. Every picture had Tracey’s name penciled in them. He would show me a new one every time he made it and asked me to find her name. He gave me a set of those cards . I rarely  used them -as they were too precious to give away. I would love to have an address to send this last one to Tracey. So precious!!! After graduation I ran into him twice-we fondly would reminisce about that wild art class and I would ask about Tracey. He was a dear kind man and teacher . My heart is so sad for your loss.

I am sad I won’t be able to attend as I live out of town. Your family will be in my prayers.

God bless your family with peace and wonderful memories as you heal with the great void you will feel
In his absence. 

Mr. Rilley was my Art teacher back in 1999-2000 he was the most genuine, coolest, respectful teachers i knew. He pretty much let us do what we wanted as long as we was drawing and doing art things. I graduated in 2001 he will definitely be missed. My condolences to his family. Lee Generals for life! 

I attended Lee High from '86 to '88 and was blessed to have him as a teacher for all 3 years. Mr. Reilly was, by far, the best teacher I have ever known. He was not only a teacher, but was an understanding friend. He knew the type of day I was having based on my art. He knew when life was troubled and often asked if I needed to talk. He made learning fun. I will forever remember him and his influence on my life. 

I attended Robert E.Lee  from 2004 to 2008. I took him for AP Art and even when I didn’t have his class I found myself in there hanging around. He was truly My Favorite teacher. I mean to the point where he is the answer to my secret question (who was your favorite teacher?) He was always so kind and his classroom was a sanctuary where you could express yourself.He had the gift of helping  you and guiding you to create your best work. He retired with my graduating class and I’m so blessed that I was able to experience his teaching and spirit. You made a great impact over the years and it’s something for your family to be proud of. You will be missed Mr.Reilly.

A teacher who was your friend and an inspiration to any student that passed through his classes. He will be remembered as one of the greats, just like his wife. Many warm thoughts to the family. 

I went to Lee from 86 to 88. I did not have him as a teacher but i know that he was a funny and great man. My prayers are with his family and friends. 

Memories with Paul are amongst my favorites for sure. He was a guy who loved life to the fullest and I’m pretty sure the only ab muscles I have are from laughing at his unpredictable humor. Heaven gained one heck of an angel. We will miss you down here for sure ❤️

My condolences to his friends and family. 

I had Mr. Reilly in each year of High School, from Art to AP Humanities. He was an important influence on me. Lot's of great memories. RIP!

Mr. Reilly was my art teacher in 11th and 12th grades.  He was a great teacher and mentor.  He was one of those teachers that went the extra mile for his students both in class and out.  RIP Paul.... you made a difference in a lot of students lives.

I was in his class during my senior year of high school, I was told I was artistic and he help me, thank you !!!

I graduated from Lee in 1996 and had Mr. Riley for art and yearbook. I always loved going to his class! He was kind and witty and was always so much fun. I’m so sorry for your loss.

My senior year my guidance counselor place me in Mr Reilly  art class because it really wasn't anything else for me to take. I can't draw a stick person but somehow I passed his class! Lol...He was one the coolest teachers at Lee.  RIP Mr Reilly

Paul was my Art teacher in 10th grade, Robert E Lee High. I was always a self taught artist, but he introduced me to new things and ways of making my art better. Godspeed Paul and thank you from all of those whom you touched over the years.

Paul Reilly was one of three teachers at Lee High School who were a big source of inspiration for me. Thank you, Paul, for the mark you made in my life and thank you for your unlimited patience with a not always cooperative student. You recognized talent and persevered. Life needs more teachers like you. My condolences to your family. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mr. Reilly was my favorite Art teacher at Lee High School in the mid to late '70's.   He was a fine artist and I really loved his class.        GOD BLESS YOU MR. REILLY!!  MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!

I have so many fond memories of Paul, it would be impossible to pinpoint one. He treated me like a son and is directly responsible for my humor (I’m sure my family as an adult might not be as thankful as I am). What a terrible loss. I hope Tracey gets a chance to read this and know Paul and her are in our hearts and thoughts and always have been/will be.

OBITUARY

Paul Reilly

February 9, 1947 – June 24, 2019

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home & Riverside Memorial Park

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