Michael Jerome Reilly

Michael Jerome Reilly (1969-2025)

Michael Jerome Reilly, 55, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died of complications from ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, on June 30, 2025.  Always a big baseball fan, Michael is sure to follow Lou Gehrig to heaven even if he did not quite hit for as much power.

He was born in New York City in 1969 to Jim and Rita Reilly and lived much of his life in Ridgewood and Haledon, New Jersey.  Mike graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1988 where he made several life-long friends, especially while playing sports, who remained steadfast companions through Mike’s journey, including his battle with ALS.  Many a Ridgewood friend came to watch golf and spend time with Mike over the past year.  Undoubtedly they were regaled with stories of Gettysburg, late night tv, and perhaps some FBI escapades.

Mike attended Caldwell College and worked for many years in the Ridgewood area at Harding Pharmacy. His love of golf dovetailed into his work at the PGA Store of America, though he was always in search of another hole-in-one. An avid reader, he continually honed his sharp wit and ability to put a room of people into hysterics with a well-placed turn of phrase. Mike cared for and loved his pet cats deeply, especially Darby, and regaled his nieces and nephews with creative tales that captured their imaginations.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Jim Reilly, and is survived by his mother Rita Reilly.  Also, he is survived by his dear friend Neema Modi, who Mike loved very much.  Additionally, he is survived by brothers - Charles and James, sisters - Rosemary and Jeanne, brothers in law - PJ and Jason, sisters in law - Sally and Amy, plus 12 nieces and nephews – Paul, Brian, Rebecca, Adam, Jack, Emma, Andrew, Keira, Cassidy, Thomas, Ellie, and Fiona – all of whom he adored and loved to joke with, sharing some notable tales of alter-egos such as King Spatula.  Mike was also blessed to have loved and to be loved by an army of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family in the Tri-State area, including his cousin Anne Trinkle, Executive Director of Animal Alliance who provided Mike with one of his first pet cats. His final weeks were filled with the love of family and friends in the form of visits, notes, kind thoughts and many prayers.

Immediate family will hold a private ceremony and plans for a celebration of life for family and friends will be announced at a later date.  Online memorial tributes may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Michael requested donations be made to his favorite charity, Animal Alliance.

Donations to Animal Alliance: (https://www.animalalliancenj.org/donate) would be greatly appreciated.