Mike Reilly, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 15, 2026, at the age of 70, after succumbing to a long-standing battle with congestive heart failure.
Mike was born on May 16, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, to David and Norma Reilly, and lived a life defined by deep connection—to family, to friends, and to the people lucky enough to share time with him. He was quick-witted, fiercely engaged, and never short on a good story—often delivered with perfect timing, sharp humor, and a booming laugh that drew people in. His presence was unmistakable. Whether in a conference room, on the sidelines, or around a dinner table, Mike had a natural way of making people feel included, understood, and valued. Many who began as coworkers or acquaintances became friends for life.
That same clarity and confidence shaped his professional life. Mike advanced quickly through the ranks of information technology, beginning as a programmer working directly with mainframe computer systems and growing into leadership roles where he managed teams and helped set the vision for IT departments within large organizations. His career unfolded in distinct chapters that reflected both opportunity and trust. He began supporting the operational systems of a major cruise line, then moved into toy distribution, followed by roles supporting the distribution of music and VHS video, and later books. During the critical buildup to Y2K, Mike worked as an independent consultant, helping large distribution systems successfully prepare for the transition into the 21st century. In subsequent chapters, he led and supported systems for pet and garden products, printed art, and, in his final professional role, a building materials distributor. Each chapter brought new challenges—and new places—taking him from San Francisco to the East Bay, Beaverton, Nashville, and ultimately back to California when his son began attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In every role, Mike earned trust through effort and follow-through—never asking more of others than he was willing to give himself.
But Mike never measured success by work alone. He built his life around providing for and showing up for the people he loved. He believed deeply in effort, and if he ever questioned himself, he answered with discipline and grit. No matter how demanding his career became, he always found his way to the sidelines—coaching Ron's teams, cheering from the stands, and rarely missing a game or an important family moment. He showed those around him that true success was measured not only by hard work, but by presence.
He shared many meaningful years of marriage with Sherrie Reilly, with whom he raised their son, Ron Reilly. Though their paths eventually diverged, they remained connected through family, shared history, and enduring mutual respect.
In later years, Mike found companionship and love with his wife, Debbie Tolly-Reilly, a relationship rooted in history and deepened by time. Mike and Debbie were teenage loves who took separate paths before finding their way back to one another for what would become the golden years of their lives. Even after Mike's diagnosis—one he lived with for more than a decade—their 20-plus years together were filled with adventure and joy. They shared countless miles on motorcycles, memorable camping and RV trips, and cherished visits to Maui, Oahu, Paris, Vegas, and beyond—building a life defined not by limitation, but by living fully.
Mike also became a steady and loving presence in the lives of Debbie's children, Michael and Shelby, who were 14 and 8 years old, respectively, when Mike came into their lives. He embraced the role with patience, humor, and devotion, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives and demonstrating what an engaged father-figure can be.
Mike delighted in life's simple pleasures: time with family and friends, hitting the open road on his Harley, and passionately following his favorite teams—the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and Oakland Athletics. He loved live music and stand-up comedy, rarely missing an opportunity to laugh, and was an avid weightlifter, staying committed to the gym until just months before his illness made it no longer possible—a routine that reflected both his discipline and determination. In his later years, he especially cherished taking his beloved mini-Aussies to the dog park. Mike showed love through both actions and words and was a master at crafting the perfect letter at just the right time. Above all, he absolutely adored and doted on his grandchildren, Scarlett Reilly (11) and Hudson Reilly (8), delighting in their laughter and sharing stories that will be remembered for generations.
In his final days, Mike was surrounded by love. He remained himself—thoughtful, gentle, quick-witted, and deeply connected to the people who mattered most to him.
Mike is survived by his wife, Debbie Tolly-Reilly; his son, Ron Reilly; step-daughter, Shelby Tolly; his grandchildren, Scarlett and Hudson Reilly; his siblings, Patrick Reilly, Sean Reilly, Kathy Loucks, and Theresa Frees; Sherrie Reilly, mother of his child; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norma and David Reilly, and step-son, Michael Tolly.
Memorial services will be held February 7 in Sacramento, and March 7 in Eugene. Please contact Ron or Debbie for additional details.
Mike will be remembered for his big heart, quick humor, unforgettable stories, and the deep, lasting imprint he leaves on the people who loved him—and who continue to love and cherish his memory.
Mike was born on May 16, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, to David and Norma Reilly, and lived a life defined by deep connection—to family, to friends, and to the people lucky enough to share time with him. He was quick-witted, fiercely engaged, and never short on a good story—often delivered with perfect timing, sharp humor, and a booming laugh that drew people in. His presence was unmistakable. Whether in a conference room, on the sidelines, or around a dinner table, Mike had a natural way of making people feel included, understood, and valued. Many who began as coworkers or acquaintances became friends for life.
That same clarity and confidence shaped his professional life. Mike advanced quickly through the ranks of information technology, beginning as a programmer working directly with mainframe computer systems and growing into leadership roles where he managed teams and helped set the vision for IT departments within large organizations. His career unfolded in distinct chapters that reflected both opportunity and trust. He began supporting the operational systems of a major cruise line, then moved into toy distribution, followed by roles supporting the distribution of music and VHS video, and later books. During the critical buildup to Y2K, Mike worked as an independent consultant, helping large distribution systems successfully prepare for the transition into the 21st century. In subsequent chapters, he led and supported systems for pet and garden products, printed art, and, in his final professional role, a building materials distributor. Each chapter brought new challenges—and new places—taking him from San Francisco to the East Bay, Beaverton, Nashville, and ultimately back to California when his son began attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In every role, Mike earned trust through effort and follow-through—never asking more of others than he was willing to give himself.
But Mike never measured success by work alone. He built his life around providing for and showing up for the people he loved. He believed deeply in effort, and if he ever questioned himself, he answered with discipline and grit. No matter how demanding his career became, he always found his way to the sidelines—coaching Ron's teams, cheering from the stands, and rarely missing a game or an important family moment. He showed those around him that true success was measured not only by hard work, but by presence.
He shared many meaningful years of marriage with Sherrie Reilly, with whom he raised their son, Ron Reilly. Though their paths eventually diverged, they remained connected through family, shared history, and enduring mutual respect.
In later years, Mike found companionship and love with his wife, Debbie Tolly-Reilly, a relationship rooted in history and deepened by time. Mike and Debbie were teenage loves who took separate paths before finding their way back to one another for what would become the golden years of their lives. Even after Mike's diagnosis—one he lived with for more than a decade—their 20-plus years together were filled with adventure and joy. They shared countless miles on motorcycles, memorable camping and RV trips, and cherished visits to Maui, Oahu, Paris, Vegas, and beyond—building a life defined not by limitation, but by living fully.
Mike also became a steady and loving presence in the lives of Debbie's children, Michael and Shelby, who were 14 and 8 years old, respectively, when Mike came into their lives. He embraced the role with patience, humor, and devotion, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives and demonstrating what an engaged father-figure can be.
Mike delighted in life's simple pleasures: time with family and friends, hitting the open road on his Harley, and passionately following his favorite teams—the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and Oakland Athletics. He loved live music and stand-up comedy, rarely missing an opportunity to laugh, and was an avid weightlifter, staying committed to the gym until just months before his illness made it no longer possible—a routine that reflected both his discipline and determination. In his later years, he especially cherished taking his beloved mini-Aussies to the dog park. Mike showed love through both actions and words and was a master at crafting the perfect letter at just the right time. Above all, he absolutely adored and doted on his grandchildren, Scarlett Reilly (11) and Hudson Reilly (8), delighting in their laughter and sharing stories that will be remembered for generations.
In his final days, Mike was surrounded by love. He remained himself—thoughtful, gentle, quick-witted, and deeply connected to the people who mattered most to him.
Mike is survived by his wife, Debbie Tolly-Reilly; his son, Ron Reilly; step-daughter, Shelby Tolly; his grandchildren, Scarlett and Hudson Reilly; his siblings, Patrick Reilly, Sean Reilly, Kathy Loucks, and Theresa Frees; Sherrie Reilly, mother of his child; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norma and David Reilly, and step-son, Michael Tolly.
Memorial services will be held February 7 in Sacramento, and March 7 in Eugene. Please contact Ron or Debbie for additional details.
Mike will be remembered for his big heart, quick humor, unforgettable stories, and the deep, lasting imprint he leaves on the people who loved him—and who continue to love and cherish his memory.
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