RICHARD ROLIN O'REILLY, MD

November 12, 1936 April 7, 2024

Bakersfield Richard R. O 'Reilly, MD, FACS, Captain, US Navy (Ret.)

Primum non nocere.

First, do no harm.

Richard Rolin O'Reilly, MD was born in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1936 and passed away on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2024 in Bakersfield, California.

Dr. O'Reilly grew up on his family farm in Bridgeville, PA. He chose to study pre-med at the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated with his B.S. degree in 1957 and his Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University (Washington, DC) in 1960. After his residency at Boston City Hospital, he ventured west with the US Navy. His military service was extensive as a Captain of the Medical Corps from 1963-84.

In the summer of 1964, while the USS Oriskany was in dry dock, then Lieutenant O'Reilly met his future wife, Lieutenant Carol Ann Lund, a Navy nurse at the Bremerton Navy Hospital. They were married in Portland, Oregon in January of 1965 and raised their family in California.

He was the ship's surgeon on the USS Oriskany, Assistant Chief of Surgery at Bremerton Naval Hospital, Assistant Chief of Surgery and Chief of Surgical Service at Long Beach Naval Hospital, Cardio-thoracic surgeon at San Diego Naval Regional Medical Center and Oakland Naval Regional Medical Center. He was proud of his time with the 1st Marine Division in Viet Nam, where he was a recipient of the Bronze Star in 1971 (Combat V) for his service both on board ship as well as in country (Da Nang). He also served as part of President Reagan's surgical team on the President's trip to China in April of 1984.

Dr. O'Reilly retired as a Captain, Medical Corps, USN in July of 1984. At the invitation of Ralph Cunningham, MD, Dr. O'Reilly moved the O'Reilly clan from Oakland, CA to Bakersfield, CA to continue his career in thoracic and vascular surgery. He was a life member of Alpha Omega Alpha, Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at UC San Diego, Fellow, American College of Surgeons, Fellow, American College of Chest Physicians, Member of the Western Thoracic Surgical Society, the California Medical Association (where he was a delegate), a member of the Kern County Medical Society and their President in 1990. He received the award for his Outstanding contribution to the Kern County Medical Society in 1999. His community affairs in Bakersfield included Rotary, American Heart Association, Houchin Blood Bank - Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America - Board of Directors and camp doctor, and the American Lung Association. He was also acknowledged for various medical presentations and medical publications. His skill and caring nature served him well.

The 'Captain' was known for his kindness to his patients and he touched many lives throughout his career on staff at all the hospitals in Bakersfield. After retiring from active surgery, he continued to consult and supervise.

His Catholic faith was paramount to the way he lived and served his community. Apart from his dedication to medicine, Dr. O'Reilly also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Ann and their five children, Rick, Matthew (Amber), Michael, Anne-Marie and Kevin (Kathy). He loved being 'Papa' to Alex, Mary, Emily, Annie, Liam, Molly and Luke. He is also survived by his brother Hon. Timothy P. O'Reilly and sister Mary Ellen Bracey; along with his cousins, nieces and nephews and close family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander O'Reilly & Marcella Rolin, and his older brother Alexander Sandy O'Reilly.

Dr. O'Reilly enjoyed traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren on various adventures and participating in their sporting activities, musicals, dance and music recitals. Richard appreciated classical music and opera and especially loved playing Souza marches at full volume.

The O'Reilly family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical community for providing professional care and compassion. It truly was a gift to have him at home with his family which allowed us all peace and comfort.

A Rosary will be at 10:30am and Funeral Mass at 11am on April 30, 2024 at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial and reception to follow.

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Published by Bakersfield Californian from Apr. 21 to Apr. 26, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard O'Reilly

15 Entries

Richard Tavares Bosshardt

December 19, 2024

I was a resident in general surgery at the US Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA from 1980 to 84 and Dr. O'Reilly was one of my attending surgeons for that period. I remember him as gruff but kind and it was obvious to us that he cared for us as residents. He was an excellent surgeon and a wonderful teacher, with so much confidence and abilty that he was quick to turn over an operation to the residents he deemed ready for the task. I left the residency feeling well prepared to go out and practice my profession independently and the years have only increased my appreciation of the privilege that was mine to train under such mentors as Capt. O'Reilly. My sincerest condolences and prayers for the family and friends of this wonderful man, surgeon, father, and husband. (In the photo, I am second from the right, front row. Capt. O'Reilly is extreme left, middle row) Rick Bosshardt, MD, FACS

Bernadette Palmer

June 12, 2024

Precious Carol Ann,

I am so sad hear of
Dr. O'Reilly 's passing. You and he are two Bakersfield legacies that I will always treasure. Calling on your office 33 years ago was really one of the highlights of my dme career. The kindest Dr and nurse, the jokes and the stories of your lives are etched in my memory. I will never forget being in Dr Ronnie Claibournes office for an outpatient procedure and Dr said, I am so sorry Bernadette, you have to have this done in the hospital. Next thing I know who is there to perform the operation on a moments notice...Dr O'Reilly. Everyone who I told that story to said, oh how in the world did you get Dr O'Reilly to do the surgery?

I told them, God sent me an Angel. And now, God, you have your angel back. Prayers for peace and comfort for the entire O'Reilly family and know that your Capitain is still by your side.

Robert and Tina Miller

May 9, 2024

Dear Carol Ann and Family, Our deepest condolences from fellow veterans

Gena

May 8, 2024

My most sincere condolences and heartfelt love. Gena Kay

Michael O'Doherty

May 7, 2024

Sorry I missed the service. No one kinder or more aware of what the troops went through.
God Bless him and his wonderful family

Julia L Estrada

May 3, 2024

Dr O´Reilly was a god sent to me when I needed it.His compassion and his staff´s I contemplated suicide and they kept me on the phone until someone got home.. I thank god I had him for my doctor. I´m so sorry for your loss ,Julia Estrada

Bradford Anderson,MD

May 2, 2024

It was an honor to know Richard.
I will miss his mentorship, warm smile, and humor.

Patty Gabel

April 30, 2024

I had the honor and pleasure to work with Dr OReilly for many years at Mercy Hospital. Always with a ready smile,quick wit and a deep sense of caring and compassion for his patients. He knew the staff by name and understood we all had an important role to play. I loved working with him . Patty Gabel RN

Jill Haley

April 29, 2024

Carol Ann, Rick, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of such a special man. Sometimes a little gruff, but always a gentleman. I loved working with him. Most of all, I loved becoming friends and getting to spend September 1st with him. I always looked forward to that August phone call checking on the dove. My love is with you all and I hope to see you. Rick, I will look forward to many more opening days with you.
All my love.

Ginger Pride RN

April 28, 2024

So sad, our community has lost another. Dr. O'Reilly was a very gifted surgeon. I was blessed to care for his patients in the acute hospital setting. He was very patient with me as I tried to pull up the lab results he had requested when computers were put into use at Mercy - Truxtun; severely computer challenged and becoming more frustrated, he asked me to move over and did it himself! He always walked with military demeanor and was kind to everyone. He will be missed here by everyone who had met him.

Vicki Bouton

April 26, 2024

When I worked as an RN at Mercy Hospital in the 90's I have so many fond memories of Dr O'Reilly and always thought if I ever needed his surgeon skills I would definitely choose him. I also remember a quote of his "there are no atheists in foxholes" I often requote him. Rest in Peace Doctor and may you family take comfort knowing that you are indeed in Heaven .....

Irene

April 26, 2024

Dr. O´Reilly was a wonderful doctor! I loved working with him. He was always happy and loved being a jokester. I´m sorry for your loss. He truly was an angel and now he finally got his wings. Rest in peace Dr. O´Reilly

Julie Jamison Burell

April 23, 2024

I´m am so sorry for your loss. I have memories of Dr. Orielly at Mercy Hospital doing his rounds on his patients. Such a compassionate doctor. I also recall a junior high retreat that he and Carol Ann were chaperoning along with myself fo St. Philips Church. It was 30+ years ago but I remember Dr. Orielly as a Godly man. Again, I´m very sorry for your loss

Robin Becthold

April 23, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John Fox

April 21, 2024

Dear Carol Ann and loving O´Reilly families,
I am saddened to read of Dr´s passing but we all know he is rejoicing in Heaven and he received our most prized possession of his eternal reward with God our father.
May God bless you All and this wonderful man he created for us to share.
Love,
John Fox

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