Joseph Reilly

Joseph B. Reilly, 98

Retired executive at the former New York Telephone Co.

Joseph B. Reilly, age 98, a native of Staten Island and lifetime West Brighton resident, passed away on January 5, 2021. He was born to John and Mary (Cooney) Reilly on June 7, 1922. He graduated from Sacred Heart School, St. Peter's Boys High School, and attended Manhattan College. At St. Peter's and Manhattan College he played varsity baseball and basketball.

During World War II he served in Europe with the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, participated in the D Day Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, where he received a Purple Heart. In 2015, he was appointed a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the President of France.

He was an executive of the former New York Telephone Co. for 37 years, retiring in 1982.

He was a life-long parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, a former trustee of the parish, a past president of the Youth Activities Council, past member of the parish council, past officer of the Holy Name Society, and past president of the parish ushers society.

He is a member of the Staten Island chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and was instrumental in developing the Battle of the Bulge Memorial at Wolfes Pond Park.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen (LaCoy), his parents, brothers John, James, sister, Margaret Walsh, and grandson Neil. He is survived by six children: Joseph (Paula) of Chatham, NJ; Edward of Scarsdale, NY; Stephen of Staten Island; Thomas of Staten Island; Kathleen Newman (Gerard) of Summerville, SC; and James (Linda) of Shohola, PA. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Kelly Coller, Caitlin Bisulca, Timothy Newman, Ryan Reilly, Katie Golebiewski, Alanna Kersting, Christine Mahoney, Patrick Reilly, James Reilly, Matthew Reilly, Danielle Reilly, Kevin Reilly, Alexa Reilly. He was very proud of his 14 great grandchildren as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family will conduct a private service due to COVID 19 issues. In lieu of flowers, donations to Scaed Heart Church, or the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation are appreciated.

Harmon Funeral Home

571 Forest Ave.

Staten Island, N.Y. 10310

(347) 507-4208