Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James O'Reilly Obituary
Visitation will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church on Spruce Street in Kenai. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Mr. O'Reilly was born June 27, 1926, in Bayside, N.Y., to James Vincent and Florence O'Reilly. He graduated from Manhasset High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his discharge, he attended the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with a degree in finance in 1949.
Mr. O'Reilly met the love of his life, Marjorie, at a summer tennis tournament in Vermont in 1951. They were married on Oct. 25, 1952 in Boston. He began his career on Wall Street as a stockbroker with L.F. Rothschild. The couple made their home in Manhasset and quickly filled it with the bustling activities of raising six children.
Mr. O'Reilly had the opportunity to visit Alaska for business several times in 1969-70. The warm welcome he experienced from every Alaskan he met convinced him that he wanted to raise his family in Alaska. The O'Reilly family made lifelong friends when they met George and Rose Navarre and their 11 children during their first summer in Kenai.
In Kenai, Mr. O'Reilly worked for the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Kenai Air Service and established a private consulting firm, VORCO. He retired as the deputy commissioner of Commerce and Economic Development with the Sheffield administration.
"A commitment of community service was always a predominant part of Vince's life," his family recalled. "While in New York, he coached youth sports, served as a volunteer firefighter and was active with the NAACP and urban renewal. Vince continued that civic commitment in Kenai, where he proudly served as the mayor from 1977 to '83. He was an active participant in the Alaska Democratic Party, a founding member of the Peninsula Oilers and a parish council member at the church.
"Vince's passion in life was politics and improving quality of life in the community. This spirit continued even in his ailing years when he was elected the mayor of Heritage Place. Our family is forever blessed by his loving patience and guidance."
Mr. O'Reilly was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; sister, Lora; and an infant granddaughter, Erin.
He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Deirdre and Ron Marblestone, Patty and Jim Rich, and Margaret and Blaine Gilman; sons and daughters-in-law, Vince O'Reilly, Sean and Tarie O'Reilly, and Tom and Patty O'Reilly; grandchildren, Dan and Aimi Rich, Liz and James Bouman, Maria and Emily Rich, Claire, Brian and Sarah Marblestone, Kathleen, James and Xandra O'Reilly, Rachel, Annie and Katherine O'Reilly, Tommy, Jack and Anna O'Reilly, and Rebecca, Ben, Jacob and Brittany Gilman; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Rich Bouman, Dawson Schmidt, and Mila Rich; sister-in-law, Patricia Coggins; nieces, Gail Carter, Jeanette Bolte and Karen Montagne; and nephew, Michael Coggins.
Memorial donations may be made in Mr. O'Reilly's memory to the Kenai Community Foundation, 125 N. Willow St., Kenai, AK 99611.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 216 Susieanna Lane, Kenai, AK 99611.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James O'Reilly
Royston Heath
May 28, 2008
I had the good fortune to meet Vince on a train trip from Chicago to Seattle. We struck up a friendship that involved 3 more train rides, and road tour. I met and made many friends through him.Thank you Vince for some great memories.
Our condolences Deirdre and Ron.
and to all the families.
Victoria and Royston Heath. Minehead. U.K.
john cook
May 24, 2008
i was a friend of vince oriley and marge who i believed could have been governor of this state.but he dedicated his time helping other people and i will always remember him as a life long friend.the only time i saw him get mad is when i jokling put on a vote for ross peroe bumper sticker and it was on the bumper for 2 weeks.but he realy laughed about it later and i remained loyal to the clintons.john cook and family
Vince Taormina
May 22, 2008
O'Reilly Family,
The Taormina Family offers our sincere condolences to your family. If we can do anything to help in your time of need please do not hesitate to contact us. I only met Mr. O'Reilly once several years ago while visiting his son Vince in Alaska after our college year in Europe. I still remember it to this day. Mr. O'Reilly treated me just like one of the family, giving me advice and poking fun at both his son and I on an equal basis ! God Bless you All.
Kerry Cashman
May 22, 2008
Dear Tom, Margaret and all the O'Reilly family, We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Knowing Tom and Margaret I know that the loss of any O'Reilly is a loss of good laughs and humor for the world. I know your Dad will be missed. We'll be thinking of you. Kerry, Bill Celina and Ellie
Jane Katkus
May 21, 2008
My condolences to the family of Vince O'Reilly - I had the brief pleasure of working with Vince in NYC at LF Rothschild for a short time way back when - and later ran across him at the Anchorage airport as he was transitioning to his new-found home in Kenai. He certainly lived his dream in Alaska, and surely he will be missed for a very long time.
ARNE AND SHIRLEY BUE
May 21, 2008
We send our condolences to the family and this time of passing.
Jim Cashman
May 20, 2008
I have met Vince a few times when he came to visit his son Tom in Minnesota. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. Jim, Mary and Katie Cashman will keep all the O'Reilly clan in their thoughts and prayers.
Austin Barbara Reid
May 20, 2008
As a client and friend of J. Vincent O'Reilly III, we offer the entire family our sympathy and condolences regarding the death of your father.
Rachael Bullock
May 20, 2008
Vince and Tom,
My heartfelt sympathy to both of you and your entire family during this time of loss. How I so enjoyed chatting with "dad" on the phone regularly when he called to talk with Vince. He got a kick out of the fact that I always called him dad. I so wanted to meet him but someday will when I leave this life.
Mary Shields
May 20, 2008
Vince will be greatly missed. The times we worked with George Miller, Jr. on the Kenai Natives Association land selections, the energy he gave to the community with the founding of the Oilers and the love he had for Marge and their children were always a bright spot for many. His wit and knowledge was greatly appreciated by all around him.
Pam Goodman
May 20, 2008
Tom and Patty (Tommy, Jack and Anna) and the entire O'Reilly clan:
We had the pleasure of your dad's company during the many visits he and Marge made to Oregon when Patty and Tom lived there. In fact, we've met all of Tom's sibblings over the years. We know Vince was a unique and wonderful man based on the life he created in his son Tom. We will always be lifelong friends and are grateful to the man and woman who gave you life. They are together now and will always be with you in spirit. Many blessing to you all at this difficult time.
Love,
Laird, Pam, Jenny and Sarah Goodman
LEO & ERNA RASMUSSEN
May 20, 2008
Although the family may not remember or know that Mayor Vince, Mayor George Sullivan (Anchorage), Mayor Ron Larsen and Mayor Leo B. Rasmussen (Nome)reorganized the defunct Alaska Conference of Mayors in the late 70's which survives today as a very necessary function of the Alaska Municipal League. Vince and Leo had many passings in our Political Careers and enjoyed each others company inspite of being major political party's apart. Definitely will miss his sense of humor,
Maura Winslow Adams
May 20, 2008
I am truly sorry to hear about Vince. May wonderful memories always fill your heart. Vince made each person feel special and important. I will always have fond memories of my trip to Alaska, as Vince made the trip that much more special and fun.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Doug Lyon
May 20, 2008
To the O'reilly family,
My familys thoughts are with you. Mr. O'Reilly was a longtime freind of my fathers and they worked together in the Sheffield Administration. My Dad proclaimed more than once that there was no finer man around. I met your father about 25 years ago and couldn't agree more. He was a genuine nice person and I don't think he ever met anyone who did not consider him a friend. He will be in our thoughts as we remember his friendship, humor and most of all his kindness. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Doug Lyon and Family.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in James O'Reilly's name
Memorial Events
for James O'Reilly
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James O'Reilly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
