Christopher “Chris” John Reilly “Sean - Gaelic name in Ireland” age 87, Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023, St. Patrick’s Day, surrounded by his beloved wife and cherished daughters.
Chris was born to John “Jack” O’Reilly and Margaret Kelly O’Reilly on December 19, 1935, Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland. Chris is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia “Pat” Reilly; daughters Christina “Tina” (Brian) Fryzel and Shannon Reilly (Daryl) Hanna; adoring grandchildren Christopher “Topher” Fryzel, Satchel Fryzel, Gerard Reilly Hanna, Lillie Hanna; his loving siblings James “Jim” “Seamus,” Vivian, Oliver, Norbert, several nieces and nephews and many valued friends globally. Chris is preceded by and is at peace in heaven with his father, mother, and siblings Anthony “Tony,” Maude, Vincent, Noel, and Brendan, whom he loved dearly.
Chris arrived in the United States in 1957 and received his pilot’s license. He took joy in skydiving and flying his plane. In 1968 Chris and Pat were married by Irish cousin Father Liam Fay in Missouri and settled in Lemont, IL, where they raised their daughters. Chris was a proud member of the Operating Engineers, Local 150, and a successful real estate investor and developer. He retired from Local 150 after 50 years of service.
Chris enjoyed retirement with his dear wife between their homes in Lemont, IL, Diamond Lake, MI, Naples, FL, and Ireland, while traveling extensively to new places.
Chris, aka Papa, to the grandchildren, will always be remembered as the hero who lived life to the fullest. He is forever missed.
A private celebration of life will be for immediate family only at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens on Thursday, March 23, 2023, where he will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Christopher John Reilly’s memory can be made to St. Jude, a charity Pat and Chris contribute to annually, Park Street School, the nonprofit Christian school his grand twins, Gerard and Lillie Hanna, attend in Boston, WAMY Community Action, the charity his oldest daughter, Christina Fryzel, volunteers for in North Carolina. (please see links below)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Reilly family.
