Thomas O'Reilly

Tom started out my next door neighbor who then became my very dear friend and through the many years became like family. He always made sure I was well and taken care of and I did the same for him. I have countless memories and because of him I know all the in's and out's of Newark. Listening to his stories were better than watching any of my favorite tv shows because Tom remembered every single detail of events that took place decades before I was even born yet I could visualize it all...

RIP Tommy. I have many memories of St. Patrick's Day lunches at Green Street Café and I would always bring you my home made Irish soda bread. Also, one year you surprised me and came to my home for one of my annual St. Pat's parties. And most important, it was because of your invitation that I had that the special opportunity to see the Pope at Newark Airport in 1995. It was very emotional and I spent most of the time crying! Love you and will never forget you! Your friend, Beverly...

I had the honor of meeting Chief O'reilly as a young boy growing up in Newark. I was introduced to Chief O'rielly by his good friends, the McCabes, who lived next door to my family. Chief O'reilly and John McCabe were the reason I became a police officer 37 years ago-a career I still enjoy. Many years ago I was assigned to the Fugitive Squad and had to pick up a wanted person in the Newark City Jail (Green Street). When my partner and I arrived, I noticed a car parked out front of City Hall...

My sincere condolences to the O'Reilly family. May Chief O'Reilly rest in eternal peace in heaven above.

Steve Adams

I had the privilege of meeting Tom through a mutual friend, Jack Rodriquez over twenty years ago. He greeted me the first time and every time just as he did with everyone else; as a best friend he hadn't seen in years. It's just the way he made everyone feel special. The Chief was always the center of attention in any setting, not because he ever asked for it. It was simply his personality and we all wanted to be a small part of it all. Tom was always interested in the lives of others and...

A life well lived, a loving heart, a lasting legacy. So much to honor, remember, and celebrate.

Had the pleasure and honor to work with the Chief in various units throughout my career at NPD.

Rest in Peace.

On behalf of my mother, Margaret Mary O'Reilly Johnston, our condolences to the Vesey and McCabe families. The diaspora of O'Reilly descendants unite in mourning his passing. May his soul be at the right hand of God. "Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."