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HARRY D. REILICH

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University of Southern California

HARRY REILICH Obituary

REILICH, HARRY D. Dec. 18, 1919 to Oct. 26, 2010 Our beloved Harry Daniel Reilich passed peacefully in San Diego at almost 91 years of age. He faithfully served his country 1940-46 in World War II; surviving the Bataan Death March, and 3Â½ years in a Japanese PoW camp. Harry graduated Cum Laude from USC; embarked on a distinguished Civil Engineering career overseeing major construction projects such as the San Mateo-Hayward and the San Diego-Coronado Bridges and completing his career as Chief Engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge Transportation District. His passion was flying; as a private pilot he flew his family around the United States and many parts of Canada. Harry is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lorraine Reilich of Windsor, CA; daughter Eileen Reilich and husband Peter Lesser of Olympia, WA; and son Ken Reilich and wife Simms Reilich of San Diego, CA. Harry's remains will be inurned with full military honors at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, near his beloved brother, Yale.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for HARRY REILICH

16 Entries

Greg Stewart

November 9, 2023

Happy Veteran´s Day Harry! I miss our talks of US history and our military. Olivia and often reflect on our times together with you and Lorraine.

Kim Danziger

August 18, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Harry. I was a 25 year old engineer when I first met Harry while working on the deck replacement of the Golden Gate Bridge. My favorite story was on a visit to our office in New York City, my immediate boss had taken Harry across the newly redecked George Washington Bridge. When he came back into the office I asked him what he thought of that job and he grabbed me by my shirt collar and told me if I gave him a deck like that for his bridge he would cut my private parts off, (I am sure you know that he actually said it more graphically.) Even without that admonishment I was never more motivated to do the absolute best work for him and that commitment to excellence is with me today. Thank you for your advice, your mentorship and faith in me. Farewell to a wonderful man.

George Wieg

May 29, 2011

5/28/11: I had the enjoyment of my first flight at the controls of Harry's Cessna 140 in Sacramento, for just a few minutes. He and I worked as CE's in field construction and design. I shall remember him always.

G.V. Wieg, Saint Anthony, Idaho.

Mike Minot

December 7, 2010

I knew Harry all my young life. He was a great mentor, a real friend, and a live wire. Nothing like flying around in the back of Harry's Cessna with Eileen and Kenny Brown. Got to travel all over California to see him, too. We are all richer for knowing Harry.

Brad Minot

December 5, 2010

Eileen, and further Ken, I would like to thank you for the note sent to my dad.
It means a lot to him. I will miss Harry and I wish I could see you and Ken in the near future. Send your address to my dads place, so we would all have it. Hope Hileah is doing well as is Rock. We all miss HDR and the stories that came out of him. He was sharp as a tack, that one, but tacks have a large round edge also. And Harry
would laugh and said that edge was his!

Roland Minot

December 1, 2010

I met Harry at Aeronauticl School in Glendale, CA. e were both in the 19th Bomb Group but different Squadrons.When we finished we returned to our Group to find that our outfit was going overseas to an unknown location. My squadron was to go later- - - in December 1941.
I didn't see him till 1945.. Harry tutored me and several others so we cd get better jobs. He was a math whiz and a great teacher. We will miss him.

Robert Settle

November 19, 2010

I worked with Harry during the construction of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. I was assigned as an Assistant Bridge Engineer. Harry's management of our team was superb. Harry insisted that we all received whatever training and support we needed to effectively perform our duties. When mistakes were made, he insisted on learning what the mistake was and how to avoid our making the same mistakes in the future. Harry would often speak rappidly in bullet form (ex. 1..., 2..., 3..., etc.). He had a great sense of humor, and caused among our group, a great sense of teamwork. Both the Substructure and Superstructure Contracts turned out exceptionally well largely due to Harry's leadership. I will always cherish Harry as a great leader and a wonderful friend. Bob Settle. P.E. Danville, CA

November 9, 2010

I read all about Harry in the paper and he, like my father, survived the infamous Bataan Death March and was a P.O.W. for the same length of time. My father though died October 27, 1965 at the age of 50. So wonderful the incredible work Harry did after the war and seemed like a wonderful man. So sadden to know that he lived just around the corner from me (I Iive in Santa Rosa) as I would have absolutely love to hear the stories he must have told, as I don't know much except what my dad wrote in a diary from the war as I was 11 when he passed away. I do want to look in my dad's diary and see if Harry was mentioned as he wrote down the men in his camp. If you ever want to contact me, would be happy to chat and didn't know if anyone is interested in joining or ever heard of the Descendants Group (the kids of the soldiers from WWII who were in Bataan), I could give you more information. [email protected]

November 7, 2010

We will never forget the dinner in San Francisco we had with Harry, his wife and Eileen. What a gracious man with wonderful stories to tell! Kathleen Allen & Mark Gillispie

November 6, 2010

Your dad will always have a special place in my heart. I loved going to the casino with Eileen, Harry and Rock. What a wonderful sense of humor he had! I will remember him fondly and love him always.

Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield

November 6, 2010

I first met Harry by way of memorable introduction,through his daughter, in a classroom. When I finally met the man I danced with him at this daughter's wedding. Harry's strength and spirit lives on in all the lives he inspired. Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield Port Townsend, Washington

Sharon & Frank Sullivan

November 5, 2010

I didn't know Harry, but I do know his lovely daughter, Eileen. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. This tells me that Harry was a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew him, and even by some who did not.

Frank & I send our love to you Eileen and offer to you a big hug which is my best way of letting you know you are in our thoughts.

Nancy Blank

November 5, 2010

Eileen and Ken,

So sorry to hear about your loss. Ironically, I have moved back to Sonoma County. Specifically, to Windsor, on Chinaberry Way. I drove by the house last week and was astonished to see "Reilich" out front. My thoughts and prayers to you and your families.

with sympathy,
Nancy Blank

Valarie Akerson

November 5, 2010

So So sorry, Eileen! I did not know until today. Sending deep condolences. love you.

Vicki Clausen

November 5, 2010

You're off to another new adventure Harry, give them hell!
Love ya,
Vicki

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