Michael E. Reilly

Michael Reilly was born in Yonkers, NY to Patrick and Alice Reilly on August 16th, 1945. Mike was the second youngest of six children; brother to Joseph, Vivian, Rose, Alice, and Raymond. Mike grew up with his family on Elliott Avenue and attended St Peter’s Grade School. He then went on to attend Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, where he was on the bowling team and played baseball for the Irish before graduating in 1963.

On November 15, 1965, Mike was drafted to serve in the US Army. Mike and many of his neighborhood buddies were sent to Vietnam in July of 1966. As a member of the “Red Warriors” in the 4th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade, 1st/12th Infantry – Charlie Company, Mike and his brothers built a base camp in Pleiku, Vietnam. Their area of operations covered the Central Highlands of Vietnam and out to the west, toward Cambodia.

On November 11, 1966, Mike was wounded at Red Warrior LZ. Mike went on to receive the Army Commendation Medal for Valor as well as a Purple Heart for his service to our country. In July of 1967, Mike came home to Yonkers. He then married his girlfriend from the same Elliott Avenue block, Brenda Fischer, one year later in 1968.

Soon after, Mike started working for the City of New Rochelle in the tree division of the public works department, where he remained for 12 years. Mike and Brenda welcomed their first son Michael in 1974, and less than a year later the growing family settled in New Fairfield, CT. They went on to have two more sons; Matthew in 1977 and Craig in 1981. By then, Mike was a well-known and popular mailman in Danbury CT, where he made many friends on his routes and at work. Mike kept the jokes and nicknames rolling in the Post Office for 25 years before retiring in 2005.

In retirement, Mike enjoyed life in a way that was fantastic to see. He did what he wanted, he had fun and he lived life on his own terms. He could talk to anyone and was well-liked by everyone. Mike was a guy’s guy who treasured the afternoon happy hour, shooting pool, golfing, and “taking a ride” to one of the casinos. He got a kick out of playing cards and was always in for a box in the local football pool. Throughout his life, he had a passion for fishing and was a member of numerous Softball, Bowling, and Golf leagues up until his passing, he was absolutely on fire in a competitive Billiards league. Mike was also a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans and Catholic War Veterans associations.

Mike’s favorite escapes included Montauk, Cape Cod, and Long Beach Island, NJ. Being by the water was his happy place where he made many fond memories. No matter where he was, he thrived when around his friends and family. He was a genuine soul that would go out of his way to help others. More than anything, he was a loving father and doting Grandpa who taught valuable life lessons and embodied perseverance, hard work, and respect. He always carried an abundance of pride for his boys and his grandchildren. It was well known that Mike would talk one’s ear off when asked about any of them. They will miss him dearly but they will be sure to carry on his legacy.

Mike is predeceased by his former wife, Brenda, who passed away on the very same day last year, almost to the minute. Mike is survived by his eldest son Michael, son Matthew and wife Amanda, as well as son Craig and wife Jessica. Mike is predeceased by beloved sister Vivian and survived by siblings Alice, Rose, Joseph, and Raymond. Mike will be missed by grandchildren Mason, Emma, and Hannah from his son Michael; Stella and Samuel from son Matthew; and Jack from son Craig. He also leaves behind countless friends and generations of nephews and nieces who loved being around Uncle Mike.

Mike’s best days were when we were surrounded by people he loved. He often said, “It’s a great day as long as I get to spend it with you”. If you are reading this, please raise a glass to cheers Mike Reilly for a job well done and a life well-lived. It doesn’t matter where he is, he will definitely cheers you back.

Friends and family are invited for a walk-through visitation at Green Funeral Home 57 Main Street Danbury, CT 06810 on Tuesday January 25, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm followed by words of remembrance. Michael’s family requests that all visitors adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and social distancing to protect against the spread of Covid-19. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we are dedicating memorials to remember Michael that will be placed in Danbury and Long Beach Island, as well as in Veteran parks and organizations in the area. If you would like to contribute to these memorials to help keep his spirit alive, please feel free to donate to our Mike’s GoFundMe page.