Joseph M. Reilly

Joseph M. Reilly, 91, of Fall River, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Alice J. (Harding) Reilly, with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage, and was also predeceased by his first wife, Helen.

Born in Fall River, Joseph was the son of the late H. Frank and Gertrude (Kelley) Reilly. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he graduated from Monsignor Coyle High School in 1952 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College in 1956. During college, he played several seasons in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Joseph dedicated many decades to education as a middle school teacher in the Fall River Public Schools, primarily at Henry Lord Middle School and Talbot Middle School, retiring in 1999. He spent numerous years as an adaptive physical education teacher, reflective of his deep commitment to students with special needs. During the summers, he continued his commitment to children with his work at the St Vincent de Paul Camp in Westport.

In retirement he kept busy with a variety of part time jobs. A passionate sports enthusiast, Joseph served as an active sports official for more than 50 years. He officiated football, basketball, and baseball games into his early 80s. Reflective of his longtime connections to many local sports, he had the opportunity to both play in a baseball game at Braves Field and later officiate a football game at Nickerson Field. In addition to his longtime job as a sports official, he earned the nickname “Driver Joe” during his time as a delivery driver for a local printing company.

Joseph was a former member of the Fall River Lodge of Elks and the Southeastern Mass Football Officials Association. He was a longtime member of Bakers Beach, where experienced some of his happiest times especially long walks along the water and watching his grandchildren play in the surf.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons: Joseph Reilly and his wife Kelly of Fort Mill, SC and John Reilly and his wife Lisa of Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Sheila Jackson and her husband Michael of Stuttgart, Germany; his grandchildren: Charlie, Beau, Meredith, Colleen, Reilly and Timmy; his sister, Mary Lepore of Manhasset, NY; his brothers: James Reilly of Wheaton, IL and Edward Reilly of Marietta, GA; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was the brother of the late Hugh Reilly, Jr.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Holy Name Church, Hanover Street, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. His visitation will be held Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph’s honor can be made to the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, 512 Forest Street Marlborough, MA 01752.