Gordon,
I am so sorry for your loss. When I remember Tommy from high school, I picture him with a mischievous smile and a contagious laugh. He was the life of the party and had so many friends. I’m thinking of all of you who love and miss him. It’s truly heartbreaking. 

Kara (Hardesty) Whitlatch

We had the joy of meeting Tommy and his family  when he was 5 years old.  Always remember him as a happy active child running around the big house in Bexley chasing Gordon. We know he will be greatly missed and our deepest condolences to his wife , sons, and to Thom senior and Gordon.  We are with you in Spirit and love,
Michael and Bunny Vinyard

Tom, you have always been such a bright light to our family! Your friendliness will always be my fondest memory of you!! You were always so kind and easy to talk to and that is what I loved most about you!  I’ll always remember you having yourself a good time at the Hater Christmas parties too!❤️ ☺️ You will be greatly missed by all! Big Hugs to the Hess Family! Give Uncle Rick a big hug for me up there! 🥰

Love you all!!
Jen Kennedy (Jenny Rudzinski)🙏🩷☀️🌻

Very sorry to hear about Tom. Loved working with Tom while I was at Columbus Realtors. Prayers to the family. 

Corey Skinner

To the family of Tommy O’Reilly., The greatest of love to you from the Zettler family

Condolences to the family of Thomas O'Reilly


Gary Moreland
Columbus, OH

Tommy was a delightful guy-A true gemini with a warm, charming personality, and the gift of gab. He truly got the best of both of his parents-Jenny and Thom. I have many happy memories of laughing and joking with him. And traveling with him to the Bahamas. He was a great guy. Sending love to Gordon and Thom and to the rest of his family. He will surely be missed by our family. My stepfather Douglas was his Godfather. Our families are linked in a way that is comforting during times like these. May you all find comfort in your memories of him. He will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the O’Reilly family. We feel blessed that we knew Tommy and loved spending time with him. Our boys went to Miami with two of his boys and we got to enjoy some great times on father son weekends.  Tommy always brought the fun with his Olympic smile and his kind words. He was especially close with my son Jack, Thomas’s friend, and on a number of occasions Jack has spoken about Mr. O’Reilly and his encouraging words. He talked to my boys, as if they were family and showed them how much he cared.  Told them that he was thankful for their friendship.  

The guy was special and I already miss him. I cannot imagine his family with the the loss of this kind and gentle giant.  I don’t recall how tall he was, but you felt like he was 6 foot 4 and on your side.  Rest In Peace Tommy and thank you for your kindness and your friendship.  All the best.

Erica and family,
We were incredibly sad to hear this news. The beautiful obituary captures our words to describe your amazing husband and father. A positive upbeat person who always made you feel seen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 
With love, 
Laura and Chris Cooke

Dear Gordon and Family,

    I was so sorry to hear about your brother’s passing.  While I did not know him very well,  I knew you were close.   I keep tabs on you via Brent at the JCC and I love hearing about your continued success. 

With sympathy and prayers,
Lisa Gatterdam
BHS Teacher

Tommy was just behind me at Bexley, and while we knew each other back then, life really brought us together years later in a way I never could’ve expected. My son came home from elementary school one day talking about this great kid, Hudson and he spent time at our house and before long I realized his dad was Tommy O’Reilly.

I had the opportunity to coach Hudson in basketball, which meant getting to know Tommy and Erica as parents, and they coached my children in sports and I’m really grateful for that. Tommy had such a big heart. When our sons were playing sports or at St. Charles playing lacrosse, he was always there with support, perspective, and encouragement which meant a lot.

He had an infectious laugh and a way of putting a positive spin on things that you don’t forget. It’s just heartbreaking, especially knowing what a great dad he was.

God bless Erica and the boys especially Hudson. Tommy will be deeply missed.

Otis, 

You were a fun guy. Lots of memories. We will all miss you. 

Grace and Peace, 

Eric Chabot

My heart is truly broken! What began as a business relationship quickly became so much more. Thom had a remarkable way of turning professional connections into genuine friendships, and I know I am far from the only person who feels that way. He was always there—answering the phone, taking the time to listen, and setting aside whatever he was doing to help whenever it was needed.
Over the years, Thom and the entire O'Reilly team weren't just business partners; they were trusted teammates and friends who celebrated our successes, supported us through challenges, and genuinely cared about the people they worked with.
Thom's kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His friendship meant more than words can express, and his absence will be deeply felt. We are grateful for the years we shared with him and will carry his memory with us always.

I am struggling to find words of condolence but know in my heart there are no such words.  The only thing is knowing death cannot take away love and memories. My memory of Tommy is he had a wonderful and amazing gift to make people feel better just by  his beautiful smile and great hugs.  You felt it genuinely came from his heart and instantly you were smiling too. Tommy, May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm on your face and until we meet again May God Hold You in the hollow of His hand

Dear Tommy, and his beautiful family. 

Gordon and Tom, you are in my hearts.

I grew up with this boy.  He was…. my first friend that was not a girl.  And I had no idea what to think? We knew each other from kindergarten, through middle school, junior high, high school, college, after college, after failures and successes and eventually fell out of touch.  

But it didn’t matter how much time passed between conversation. It was like no time passed at all. It was his gift.

I think about him like I think about an octupus. Intriguing tentacles.  That reach you and then… ever the escape artist… disappears.  He had no shell. He had the biggest heart. Maybe too big.

Did I make him go to prom, yes I did. Did I chide him from time to time in his early days about poor choices, yes I did.  Did he always make me laugh in the end, he did.

My fondest memory is when my Mom- the Cat’s Mother- advised me to call Tommy on the phone because I was upset he was being too mean to me at school.  We were twelve.

In the middle of my 12 year old stammering, Tommy’s dad gets on the extension,  and says… ‘is this the girl with glasses? Be nicer to her.’  

And he was.

My heart is very heavy.  We lost Tommy too soon.

Tom always had a smile and positive attitude towards all activities.  I enjoyed his presence because you knew it was  going to be fun.  He treated me fairly in business and stood behind his work.  He was a great guy.  Unfortunately, the saying that only the good die young applies in this instance.  The light in the room was taken from all of us too soon.  Prayers and positive thoughts for his family.  May the knowledge that Tom was liked by so many give you some peace.

Dear Erica, Walt and I are so deeply sorry for your loss! Tommy was truly one of the good ones!! I just saw him at the club a week or two ago! I am so sad for you all .. I know there is no words to take away your pain right now.  Your love for each other was so special .  He is in gods loving arms and will be watching over us all now. God bless you all an my prayers are with you!  With love, Polly and Walt Bernacki

I was deeply shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of Tommy’s passing. Looking back, I honestly cannot remember a time in my life when I didn’t know him. Growing up alongside Tommy meant sharing a lifetime of mutual friends, unforgettable memories, and countless laughs.
Tommy had a rare, undeniable gift—he truly lit up every single room he walked into. His outgoing spirit was magnetic, and it’s no exaggeration to say that everyone who met him, loved him. He brought so much joy into our lives, and he will be missed more than words can say. Rest in peace, my friend

We are so sad to hear about Tommy's passing.   We have alot of great memories of all the times we spent together.  We all went Niagara Falls in 1974. Our son, John and Tommy were 4 years old. The two looked very much  alike.  We all spent alot of good and fun times with the family.   Earl remembers watching Tommy play football at Bexley.  He was a hard runner and had spin moves.   
Prayers to all the family.

Erica, Thomas, Mason, and Hudson…there are no words to describe how much I’ve hurt for you. This is an ode to Tommy as a person, husband, father, and friend…I smile every time I think of him. I remember his voice. I see his tan face light up as he wore his vest, drank a beer, and cracked a joke.. And most of all, I hear him laughing. The four of you brought that joy to him. He was so proud of his family. Erica, you fiercely loved and cared for him and I know you and the boys were his world.  Our family was so much better with him. My only solace is knowing he’s up in heaven, grilling with Dad, telling jokes, having drinks, and sharing all the updates on how awesome Thomas, Mason, Hudson, and you are doing.  I love you all.

I was Tommy's coach in high school.  Never was there a player more full of joy and life than Tommy.  My condolences to all.  He will be truly missed.

STEVE PODLASIAK

Erica, there just aren’t words to express how shocked and saddened I and my family were to hear the news of Tommy’s passing. As you know, he was my closest cousin in age and geography, and we shared innumerable good (and not so good) times together.  It’s hard to imagine a world without him. I know how much he adored you and the boys - he beamed whenever he spoke about you all, and was clearly so proud to be your husband and their father.  It is a great loss. Sending love to all of you during this very difficult time.

OBITUARY

Thomas Findley O'Reilly

June 1, 1970 – May 27, 2026

Schoedinger Worthington

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