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ALEXANDER REILLY Obituary

REILLY, Alexander Philip With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alexander Philip Reilly, age 51, a cherished member of our family and his community, who passed away on March 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Born with Down Syndrome and partly deaf, he managed to make the best of life and never gave up. Alex brought an infectious joy and laughter to everyone he met. His charm and endearing smile drew people to him, making him popular and sought after. Alex worked for many years at the New England Home for the Deaf. He shared his days there with his friend and mentor, Joanne Barker of Haverhill. During his high school years at the Beverly School for the Deaf, Alex met his two best friends, Sean Daley and John Coulouras. They became lifelong companions, known as the Three Amigos. Alex is survived by his mother, Joanne O'Brien Reilly; his brother, Henry (Ted) Trask Reilly, II; his nephew, Benjamin Trask Reilly; his sister, Rebecca (Becky) Sofia Reilly; and was predeceased by his father, Henry "Hank" Trask Reilly. There will be a private Memorial celebrating Alex's life on March 30, in Exeter, NH. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Turning Point, Inc. with the words "In Memory of Alex". Turning Point Address: P.O. Box 548, 5 Perry Way, Newburyport, MA 01950.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 13 to Mar. 16, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for ALEXANDER REILLY

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5 Entries

Joanne Reilly

April 12, 2025

Alex was loved by all who knew him. He missed his 52nd birthday by one month but many of us celebrated it anyway.
He was adored by all of us ... especially his family .

Lynda Isaacs

March 21, 2025

Dear Joanne, Ted and Becky,
Your wonderful son/brother got pure love from you. He had the best life he could have from all of you and the places that cared for him. I enjoyed being with him because he was a miracle to me. At the movies, in a restaurant and just being near him gave me a quiet joy. I can't imagine how you deal with the grief, but I hope part of it reminds you of what he experienced in a loving family.
Love, Lynda

Tish Callanan

March 17, 2025

Dear Lorraine and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Although I personally don´t know Alex, it sounds like he brightened the lives of all those he came in contact with and lived life to the fullest. Sending you peace and love, Tish Callanan

Kathryn Melanson

March 17, 2025

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Alex. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Alex for 10 years at New England Homes for the Deaf. Alex always had a great big smile when he visited my office with John. I miss them both a great deal. RIP Alex, fly high with the angels my friend. XOXO

Becky

March 16, 2025

He always had a smile and was game for almost anything. We loved him with all our hearts.

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