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Thomas Reilly Obituary
Tom was born Aug. 26, 1935 in Collinsville, Ill., the son of the late Thomas E. "Spike" and Katherine (Burke) Reilly. He married Norma June Knope on June 18, 1973 in St. Charles, Mo. She survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Chris (Terri) Rodgers of Bishop, Texas; two daughters, Elizabeth Reilly of San Diego, Calif., and Lisa (Jim) Cipriani of Charlotte, N.C.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Sue (Harold) Patton of Edwardsville; six nieces, and three nephews.
Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was very active in the Christmas display Christmas Wonderland at Rock Springs Park in Alton. He was a volunteer for the Village of Godfrey Restoration projects.
Tom enjoyed his family, many close friends, woodworking, camping, floating and anything outdoors.
A memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 9 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey with Father Stephen J. Pohlman officiating. According to his wishes he was cremated.
Family requests memorials to BJC Hospice.
Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Reilly
March 10, 2012
Two years after retiring from Mcdonnell Aircraft, I helped Tom build his house over in Godfrey. One morning, we were going to build the steps from the garage floor to the house main floor-a distance of about 26 inches. We agreed on a plan. 30 minutes later, Tom suggested a change. I said "your'e the boss" Another 30 minutes, he came up with another change. I said you're the boss After a third change, I said Reilly, either you build this or I build this, because if We build this, it's going to take all day. He said you build it. About four months later, We finished the house. About two weeks later, I went over for a visit. The steps had been completely changed ! Tom was a perfectionist and a special friend.
love from
Paul D. and Deelores
Rhiannon Beckley
March 9, 2012
Norma, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember how excited I was whenever I got to see Uncle Tom- he was always like a family member to me, you both were, and it will remain that way. There were so many good memories I made with both of you, fishing, playing at your house, having lunch with Uncle Tom, you, Maw Maw, and Paw Paw. I am so happy I got to see both you and Uncle Tom this past summer, it was so good to see both of you after not visiting for so long. I love both of you so much, and I hope to see you sometime soon. -Rhiannon.
March 9, 2012
Norma,
my sincere condolences to you and your family, so sorry to hear about Tom, even though we had lost contact over the years, always remember with fondness our visits in Florissant, back when Barbara and I lived in St. Louis,
Wolfgang Hopf, Glendale AZ
Les Frisse
March 8, 2012
Mary Sue and Harold. Please except my sincere condolences with the passing of your brother/brother-in-law.I did not have the pleasure of knowing him personnaly, but I am sure he was the image of your parents. As the both pf you know had a great deal of respect for "Spike" and your mom.Know that I have you in my thoughts and prayers Frizz
March 6, 2012
always a gentleman,always had a good time with tom at fast eddies. he will be missed.
mike garrone
Mike & Laura Papp
March 6, 2012
Norma, We are so sorry to hear about Tom. You are in our prayers.
March 5, 2012
Tommy, as I always called him, lived across the street from me when I was growing up in E'ville. His sister, Mary Sue and I hung out together in our pre-teen and teen years. Tommy was to me, Mary Sue's VERY CUTE older brother, six years older than me which made him seem VERY OLD and SO GROWN UP. I remember hearing him practice his French Horn. I think I probably had a little girl crush on him and one day Mary Sue and I were playing "jacks" on her front porch and being young girls having fun we were rather noisy. It must have bugged Tommy and I remember he came out and threw a bucket of water on us. Well, I was THRILLED because he "paid attention." It makes me smile now thinking of that time. I haven't seen Tommy in many, many years but felt sad when I heard of his passing. My condolences to his family and all who feel his loss directly. May he rest in peace and, who knows, maybe we will hear him play that old French Horn once again. With sympathy, Judy Frey Bradenton, FL
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