Thomas Reilly Jr.

Tom Reilly passed away comfortably at his daughter Carol’s home, at the age of 91, on September 8, 2014. He was born in Monticello, New York in 1922. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Reilly and Mary U. Brunswick Reilly and by his cherished wife of 50 years, Claire B. Reilly. He was the last surviving member of six children: James Reilly, Cele Belmonte, Charles Reilly, Katherine Lundgren, and Edward E. “Beezer” Reilly.

He is survived by six children: Thomas E. Reilly Jr. (Barbara), Ronald S. Reilly, Jeanne Jenkins O’Reilly, Carol Yu (Francis), Patricia Muldoon, Mary Phillips (Tom). In addition to his six children he had seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Growing up in the Nyack, New York area in the 1920’s and 1930’s, he attended school and passionately participated in playing basketball.

On January 21, 1941, he and his brothers James and Charles joined the United States Navy. Tom served in the submarine service of the United States Navy from 1941 through 1947. Upon enlisting he went into training at New London, CT, where he participated in a new advanced program for escaping from disabled submarines, under water, using experimental breathing devices like the Munson Lung.

Upon completion of his basic training at New London, CT, Tom was assigned to N.T.S. Newport, RI. He served on the USS Texas from January through April 1941. Upon the outbreak of World War ll, Tom was re-assigned to a new class of submarines and was part of the crew that commissioned the Grouper. As a Gunners Mate on the Grouper, he sailed through the Panama Canal to Mare Island in San Francisco, California and later to Pearl Harbor.

He was re-assigned to the Gato, the prototype of the new class of United States Navy submarines.The Gato received commendations for distinguished service.

During his active service in the United States Navy in the Pacific, Tom served on: the Grouper, the Gato, the Cabrilla, and the Gurnard. Of the numerous patrols he participated in, he sailed from: 1) Mare Island in San Francisco, 2) Brisbane, Australia, and 3) Pearl Harbor.

Some of the patrol missions included: 1) delivering commandos and evacuating refuges in the Marianas Islands 2) supported the “Big Boat Navy” at the Battle of Midway, picking up downed Navy Pilots, and 3) numerous missions out of Brisbane, Australia, to attack and sink Japanese ships.

As World War ll ended, Tom was part of the crew that sailed the Sirago home and put it out of commission.

Tom participated in a Post World War ll Operation on the Thresher. The submarine sailed north, under the Arctic Ice Cap, as part of an experiment, which would help define future missions of the United States Navy.

Tom was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on February 4, 1947. Prior to his discharge, he was married to his sweetheart, Claire B. Menger, of the Bronx, New York, whom he met and corresponded with from early in World War II.

In the late 1990’s, while on vacation in San Francisco, CA, for his daughter Jeanne’s wedding, Tom took the opportunity to visit the Pampanito, a World War II era diesel submarine. The crew honored him and allowed him to conduct a walking and speaking tour of the submarine. The crew and visitors were riveted by his recollection of combat situations and some of the inside stories about life on a submarine during crash dives and how the crew adapted to the cramped quarters and survival training techniques and tactics.

After World War II, married with a wife and children as his new priorities, he pursued a series of moves and jobs that led him from the New York State Water Department to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. Tom went to work in the Fire Protection Department of Plant Security. As his family grew, other opportunities became available in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. A transfer to Pratt & Whitney’s Florida Research and Development Center occurred in1961.

After more than 20 years with Pratt & Whitney, Tom joined Tri- City Real Estate Company in Riviera Beach, FL, where he sold and managed homes and apartments.

Being in the real estate business he took the opportunity to buy and manage apartments as part of his financial plan.

After 40 years of work, Tom transitioned from full time to part time and finally retired. After retirement, Tom and his cherished wife of 40 years, Claire, began traveling, taking cruises and trips to Las Vegas and to the west coast, where several of his daughters lived.

After Claire, his cherished wife of 50 years, passed, Tom continued traveling and visiting with his children, grand children, and great grand children

Tom was lucky to live long enough to see his beloved Miami Dolphins have a perfect season, his Florida Marlins win the World Series and the Miami Heat basketball team win it all.

Prior to his passing he was a resident of Lake Park and Jupiter, FL.

Tom was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and stayed in contact with several World War II Submarine Sailors Organizations.

In lieu of flowers or sympathy cards, Tom would appreciate your contributing to Disabled Veterans Organizations and wounded Vets. Tom’s family would like to thank Hospice for their dedication and loving care at this sensitive time. Donations to either or both of these organizations would be greatly appreciated.

A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, November 29, at 12 noon at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Rd, Tequesta, FL 33469.

A Military Color Guard will be in attendance.