Dr. Robert John Reilly

To know Bob Reilly was to love and admire him. The grandchild of poor Irish immigrants, he had the gift of storytelling and often went to great lengths to execute a practical joke. His moral compass governed every decision he made and he never compromised his integrity. On August 14, 2018, Bob went to be with the Lord and was surrounded by his wife, his 4 children and 16 grandchildren. He spent his final days praying for each person who would visit him and offered powerful blessings to his grandchildren. He had an eye on eternity and finished his race in exemplary fashion. He was known by many as a surgeon, others as a church elder and 4Tucson board member, some as a marriage-ministry counselor, but all recognized him as a dedicated servant of his Lord Jesus Christ.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 4, 1931, Bob and his brother Frank were the first in their family to attend college. After graduating from St Michael’s high school in Brooklyn, Bob attended Fordham College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Philosophy and a biology-honors award. Since the age of 11, Bob dreamed of becoming a doctor and often recalled the cherished chemistry set he received as a birthday gift. He attended medical school at Columbia in New York City and became a resident in general surgery at Yale. Since he was a boy, Bob had great faith in a God who cared about the details of his life and he prayerfully made each decision. He fulfilled his military obligations by serving in an army MASH unit in Korea where he discovered his love for urological surgery. At the completion of his military service, he returned to Columbia and completed a urologic residency.

A memory he spoke of often was the day he walked into the blood bank at Columbia and met a beautiful nurse named Toni Tiffany. Bob, who believed faint heart never won fair maiden, wooed and pursued Toni, who later became Diane Reilly, with his wit, humor, poetry and dinners out and closed the deal with a Tiffany & Co charm! They married, moved to the Wild West, and started a practice with best friend Don Gleason in Tucson. Urological Associates added exceptional practitioners and staff, all of whom became Bob’s extended family. Although the demands of medicine were significant, everyone knew that Bob’s first priority was his family. His evenings were spent eating dinner with his family, where they shared and laughed about the day’s events. His four children relish the memory of seeing their father before daylight sitting in the living room with a Bible in his lap before he’d prepare a family breakfast and share a short devotional. Bob was also passionate about helping those in need and participated in numerous medical-mission trips where he both trained local health-care providers and operated on and treated the sick in countries around the world. In his retirement, you could often find Bob on Sunday afternoons grilling his famous flank steak and baking homemade bread for his family and extended family.

He leaves behind a loving wife of 54 years, four married children, 16 grandchildren, one great granddaughter, one brother, and a host of nieces and nephews. His parting words on a Facebook post the day before he died summarize well the heart of this gracious and Godly man who lived with intention and purpose:

SIGNING OFF

“As many of you know, I was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer 10 months ago. We gave it our best to battle the disease, but the cancer has won, and my days on earth are drawing to a close. I am comfortable and surrounded by my treasured bride and loving family. As I prepare to leave my broken, cancer-ridden shell, I eagerly await my eternal destination. I will step away from this world and into my Heavenly Father’s arms. Not because of anything I’ve done to deserve this, but because of the free gift of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ who loves each one of us and gave his life in our place that we may live eternally with Him. Friends and family, I long to see you on the other side! Please know that a sacrifice was made for you, and all you have to do is accept it.

Don’t delay, accept Christ today! We all have an expiration date, and the best investment in your life is to be sure you’re ready for that day. Love you all and I hope to see you in eternity! Bob”

Bob’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at Catalina Foothills Church, Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10 am and will be livestreamed at www.CFCPCA.org. Reception to follow at the church.

Gifts in Bob's honor may be made to World Medical Mission, CFC Youth Missions, or 4Tucson.

Thank you.