William F. Reilly

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Cardinal Hayes High School University of Notre Dame

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William Reilly Obituary

REILLY--William F. 70, passed away peacefully on Friday October 17, 2008, surrounded by his family after along battle with prostate cancer. The former Chairman and C.E.O of PRIMEDIA, he was a successful executive, philanthropist, veteran and mentor to many friends and colleagues. He was the devoted father of Jane Reilly Mount and Anthony Chapman Reilly and beloved brother of Elizabeth Smith. He is also survived by four grandchildren and former wife, Ellen Reilly. Mr. Reilly was most recently Chairman of Summit Business Media and a trustee of the University of Notre Dame. He was on the Board of Directors of Barnes and Noble, FMC, Channel 13/WNET, BizBash Media and Harvard Business School Press. Mr. Reilly was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Business School and also served as a first lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. The wake for Mr. Reilly will be held on Tuesday October 21 at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave/ 81st from 2-4pm and again from 7-9pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 980 Park Ave/84th on Wednesday October 22 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Reilly's name to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center or to the William F. Reilly Technology Center at Cardinal Hayes High School, 650 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451.

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Published by New York Times from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Reilly

12 Entries

Chip Beam

October 14, 2023

It is so interesting to me that Carol and I remember Bill here so often. For years the two of us were part of his work family, and I know all of us who worked with Bill during the exciting Macmillan years formed a close bond. I know we all miss Bill terribly. For me, those years working at Bill's side were among the best years of my life. Bill was demanding, yet deeply caring and kind, and he was exceptionally generous to all of us.

Carol Imperato

October 14, 2023

I will always remember my dear boss and friend. He treated me as family. His generosity to me will always be cherished. I pray for Tony and Jane and their families. I know Bill loved his grandchildren. Hugs to you all. Love Carol Imperato

Chip Beam

October 14, 2022

I still think of Bill almost every day. The time I spent working with him at Macmillan was some of the happiest time in my life. He was a dear friend and mentor. I miss him, and send love to all others who miss him too.

Carol Imperato

October 14, 2021

I cherish the years I worked for Mr. Reilly, and think back fondly on the great memories. I still think of him with great admiration. Love to the Reilly family, Carol

John Limpitlaw

November 4, 2008

Bill was an extraordinary person. I worked for him as his VP of Human Resources at Macmillan and marvelled at the depth of his intellect, his humanity, and understanding of the world and people. So thoroughly unassuming and modest, he defied the expectations for someone of his position and stature and so contradicted the common notion that nice guys finish last. I thank God for Bill Reilly and all that he contibuted to my life and the world he inhabited.
The Rev John Limpitlaw

Mary Jane Peluso

October 27, 2008

I didn't know Mr. Reilly personally but he was CEO of Macmillan, Inc. during my young years as a college textbook editor. Those were the best years of my life working for such an organization that Mr. Reilly created. I was very proud to be at Macmillan and it allowed me to grow and learn a great deal.

Dick Moore

October 23, 2008

As Editor of the Grace Alumni Association Newsletter now in its 21st year we will put an item in our next issue of our Passing Parade Column as an executive at the W.R. Grace & Co hired & rehired by our late CEO J.Peter Grace his personality and business accumen was outstanding and he was admired and well liked by all associates and as a valuable contributor to the whole company.

Christine Ford Guidry

October 20, 2008

Mr. Reilly was a wonderful man. It did not matter where you were on the totem pole, he always greeted you graciously and remembered your name. He was quite the gentleman and it's a great loss to the industry. My condolences to his family.

Matthew Cortellesi

October 20, 2008

Mr. Reilly raised 2 very caring and loving children whom I am proud to know as friends.

Mr. Reilly was always very kind and supportive of me…and would often take the time to share his life with me as well as have the patience to listen as I shared mine with him

I will think of him often and I know I will smile each time I do

Chip Beam

October 20, 2008

Bill was a good friend and mentor to me in my early days, when I was his assistant at Macmillan.

Tony and Jane, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry.

Jean Collier

October 20, 2008

Bill welcomed me to the University of Notre Dame Board of Trustees in 2002 as a fellow East Coast person. He and I shared a passion for communications and he never missed an opportunity to make me feel like an important member of the Board. Thanks for opening up your heart to a fellow Domer. Rest in peace.

Carol Imperato

October 20, 2008

To the Reilly Family: I will surely miss my dear boss who provided me wonderful opportunities while working for and with him. He always made me feel part of the team, and valued my opinion. I treasure the memories of being a part of your family.

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