John Francis Reilly

Born January 1, 1941, in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Yonkers, John was the son of Michael F. Reilly and Winifred (Greiner) Reilly. He attended Gorton High School, where he was active in football and was recognized as an Honorable Mention on the All-Westchester County Football Team. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, reflecting the patriotism and strong sense of duty that would remain with him throughout his life.

John served as an aviation machinist’s mate in New York and at the Coast Guard Air Detachment on Annette Island, Alaska. In 1960, he played a critical role in saving a Coast Guard Albatross amphibious aircraft and its crew following a landing-gear failure over Annette Island. In recognition of his actions, the Commandant of the Coast Guard later awarded him the Commandant's Letter of Commendation with the Operational Distinguishing Device. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1962.

Following his military service, John continued his education, graduating from SUNY Cortland and earning a master’s degree in Health Administration from Columbia University. As part of an early generation of healthcare executives, he went on to build a distinguished career in healthcare administration. He founded and served as the first president of the Metropolitan Hospital Administrators Association, and later became President of the Cabrini Health Care System. A recognized leader in his field, John was deeply committed to advancing patient care and testified before Congress on the importance of hospice care for cancer patients.

John was known throughout his life for his strong work ethic, integrity, leadership, and dedication to service. His professional accomplishments were many, but his greatest legacy was the love he gave to his family.

A kind and gentle man, John was a devoted father to his children from his first marriage. When his children were young, he coached their soccer, basketball, and baseball teams and took an active role in their lives. Throughout the years, he remained their anchor—a quiet and steady source of strength, wisdom, encouragement, unconditional love, and generous support. He gave freely of himself without seeking recognition and was always there when his family needed him.

In later years, John took great joy in being a grandfather and cherished his five grandchildren. He also shared 29 loving years with his beloved wife, Fatimah. Together they enjoyed a life filled with companionship, travel, and shared experiences, including adventures throughout Asia and Europe and, in later years, cruises in the Caribbean. John lived in South Salem and Manhattan, New York, and Mendham, New Jersey, before making his home in Tampa, Florida. He was grateful for the gift of a heart transplant, which gave him almost 30 additional years with those he loved.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Fatimah (nee Tahil); his children from his first marriage - Dawn Reilly-Gokhale and her husband, Sam, of Plantation, Florida; Kerry Frost and her husband, Michael, of North Potomac, Maryland; and his son, Timothy, of Winston, Georgia; and his five grandchildren, Jacob, Alexender, Kiran, Aiden, and Ryan. He is also survived by his only living sibling, Thomas Reilly. He was predeceased by his firstborn son, John, and by his siblings, Michael, Patricia, and James.

His life reflected a rare combination of professional accomplishment, service to others, and deep devotion to family.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love.

Celebration of Life

A visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, 33609. Remarks and Reflections by Deacon Paul Haber will begin at 11:00am and guests are invited to stay and celebrate John’s life until 1:00pm.

A committal service with Military Honors will follow on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Sarasota National Cemetery, from 10:30am-11:00am. If you plan to attend, please arrive by 10:15am.