Joseph Michael O'Reilly

Joseph Michael O’Reilly passed away Tuesday November 1st, 2022, at his home in Holt, Michigan. Joe passed surrounded by his loving family and listening to his favorite music. Joe was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1953, the son of John B. and Violet O’Reilly. He grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, with his parents, six siblings, and many extended family members.

Joe's upbringing in Dearborn gave him a front-row seat to America’s muscle cars. It's also where his love of public service and politics began. Joe graduated from Fordson High School in 1971 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan Dearborn in Political Science and Government Finance, with minors in History, Philosophy, and American Literature.

Joe represented Dearborn as a Congressional Page in Washington D.C. in 1969. At the age of 16 he traveled alone on a first-class flight to D.C. During college Joe was appointed Director of the University of Michigan Dearborn’s summer political internship program in Washington D.C. He also met his future wife Leslie during the Washington, D.C. Internship program.

Joe and Leslie were married in 1983 at the Martha Mary Chapel at Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Shortly before they were married, they moved to the greater Lansing area when Joe was working in the Michigan State Senate. Joe and Leslie welcomed their first child, Kathleen Erin O’Reilly in 1985, and their second child, Margaret Mary O’Reilly, in 1993. Joe's daughters were his “when you wish upon a star.”

Joe made a difference in how he chose to live his life – with quiet resolve and integrity. He was an extremely skilled and dedicated public servant: On a road repair crew in high school, as a Congressional Page, on the Wayne County Commission staff, as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan Senate, and as a Legal Specialist for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Joe also had fond memories of his time working summers at Camp Dearborn. His father, Mayor John B. O’Reilly, was a long-time public servant and among the founders of the beloved camp.

Joe was gentle and not at all self-righteous, a beacon of compassion and principle to his entire family. He was the strong foundation that brought calm to all of us. Joe lived an incredibly selfless life, always thinking of others, especially his daughters. Even towards the end of his time with us, he was more concerned with making sure his family and job obligations were taken care of.

Joe was passionate about justice for all, continuously learning, living with integrity, road trips, sports, music, muscle cars, but most importantly, his family. Even though the 50th anniversary 2015 Mustang that was Margaret’s “college graduation gift” is high on the list!

He spent the last weeks of his life telling his daughters, Kathleen and Margaret, how special they were to him and what we all needed to do to take care of his beloved wife, Leslie, his 2 young grandsons, Jack and Brady Farhat, his son-in-law, Dustin Farhat, and future son-in-law, Zachary Brotzman, and each other. He was emphatic that everyone take care of each other and was devastated that he wouldn't be there to care for them himself.

He is already missed beyond measure by so many, including his family Jack and Chris O’Reilly, Maryann O'Reilly Dennehy, Dennis and Noemi O’Reilly, Cheryl Davis, Larry and Maureen O’Reilly, and many nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father, Violet and John B. O’Reilly, father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Mary Ann Simescu, sister, Patricia O’Reilly, nephew, James Davis, brothers-in-law, Jerry Davis and Raymond Dennehy, and that beloved 50th anniversary 2015 Mustang.

Joe shared many quotes, lessons, and Irish blessings through the years, but the ones that stick out the most are, “Always be curious” and “Make it right.”

Please enjoy one of his favorite poems, “Do not go gentle into that good night.” by Dylan Thomas.

We are happy the pain is gone, and we love you forever Daddio.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. A visitation will occur Friday, November 11, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. A funeral mass will occur Friday, November 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823.