Edmund Eugene O'Reilly

August 17, 1930 - September 6, 2013

Edmund Eugene O’Reilly passed away in his Sacramento home on Friday, September 6, 2013 after fighting the effects of Parkinson’s disease for several years. He was 83 years old. Mr. O’Reilly was born and raised in Sacramento. His parents, the late Dr. Edmund P. O’Reilly and Carrie O’Reilly, were educators with the Sacramento City Unified School District. He was also predeceased by a younger brother, Patrick J. O’Reilly.

After graduating from C.K. McClatchy High School, he attended what was then called Sacramento Junior College. He was part of Sacramento State College’s first graduating class, where he earned a B.S. degree in chemistry with a minor in physics. He also attended the University of Oregon before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. He served until 1955.

Later in 1955, Mr. O’Reilly worked as a chemist for Aerojet when the local branch of that corporation was involved in the development of second stage of the Vanguard missile. In 1959, he accepted a chemist position at the state water resources laboratory at Bryte, Yolo County. He remained there as a chemist for the rest of his career until the early 1990’s.

For several decades Mr. O’Reilly was an avid bird watcher and participated in bird counts of various species. This interest also caused him to travel to exotic places such as the Arctic Circle to observe different bird species. To capture these memories he invested in better and better camera equipment.

His developed interest in photography often made him the unofficial photographer of family events. His family was very important to him and it was rare that he would miss any family event. Many relatives have photographic memories of different events because of Mr. O’Reilly’s pictures.

Although his career involved chemistry, he had a strong interest in American History, the World’s great wars, significant world leaders, the development of the great civilizations, astronomy, and geography. He collected large numbers of National geographic magazines, historical and biographical books and DVDs.

After retirement he bought his first home near East Sacramento. He enjoyed modernizing his home and building his private library. He took great pride in growing vegetables, berries, corn and oranges.

He is survived by his brother, Dennis M. O’Reilly of Sacramento, his sister Karen O’Neill (Michael) of Angels Camp, four nieces, six great-nieces, one great-nephew, and two great, great-nieces.

Mr. O’Reilly will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sacramento. Private services are being handled by the Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home. The family requests that any memorial donations being made in his name go to the charity of their choice.