John Joseph Reilly

Reilly, John Joseph, 73, of Pompano Beach died on March 17, 2023. A proud Irish-American father, Jack was as loving and kindhearted a man as ever was known. Physically strong and always ready to lend a helping hand, our beloved UJ was a family-centered, gentle soul. He was quick with a joke or a story, all delightfully embellished with an Irish brogue or one of his unique phrases. Jack's good-natured personality, ever-present sense of humor, loyalty, kindness, and mischievous grin filled the hearts of his family and earned him numerous lifelong friends. Born February 28, 1950, in Elizabeth, NJ, Jack was the son of Daniel and Veronica Reilly, and he was raised by his cherished stepmother, Mary G. Reilly. Jack worked as a milkman in his hometown of Elizabeth for the family business, Reilly's Dairy, a life achievement he wore as a badge of honor until his passing. He attended Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC, where he was awarded a scholarship for his achievements as a soccer goalie. Later, in his hometown of Elizabeth, Jack worked as a bartender at the Kingston Inn where he met his wife, Mary "Maureen" Elizabeth Higgins. Jack and Maureen relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where they owned and operated The Village Inn motel, and began building a family. Jack also founded and operated Jack Reilly's Painting Company. A true "Jack of all trades," he finished his working years as a building maintenance man and could fix just about anything that was broke. Jack worked very hard throughout his life to provide for his three children, Sean, Brian, and Laura, whom he loved very much and was extremely proud of.

Jack is survived by three children, Sean D. Reilly, former U.S.M.C. CPL Brian J. Reilly, both of Pompano Beach, FL, and Laura (Charlie) Odenz and his precious grandson, Bradley Odenz of Highlands Ranch, CO; six brothers, Daniel (Joyce) Reilly of Galway, NY, Joseph P. Reilly of Pompano Beach, FL, Terrance (Maureen) Reilly of South Plainfield, NJ, Robert Reilly of Red Bank, NJ, Peter (Patricia) Reilly of The Villages, FL, William (Jackie) Reilly of Sterling, VA; two sisters, Claire (Raymond) Wyrsch of Silver Spring, MD, and Delia (Jamison) Kase of Oakton, VA; and dozens of nieces and nephews including his goddaughter Laraine K. Reilly of Pompano Beach, FL, Linda (Gene) Tavares of Orlando, FL., Joseph P. Reilly Jr. of Darien, IL, and Michael (Tiffany) Reilly of Shorewood, IL. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, his former wife, his brother, Kevin V. Reilly, and his sisters-in-law, Kathleen A. Reilly and Rosemary Javaruski Reilly. Friends and family may call Thursday, March 30th from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 W Copans Rd, Pompano Beach. On Friday, March 31, 2023, a funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Coleman Catholic Church, 1200 S. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. The family would like to welcome all friends and family to a celebration of life immediately following mass (location TBD).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnnorth.com for the Reilly family.