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George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley

477 Washington Street

Wellesley, Massachusetts

PETER REILLY Obituary

REILLY, Peter J. Passed away on December 31, 2021 at his home in Bolton, MA at the age of 69. Peter was predeceased by his mother Mary Brady Reilly and his father William Reilly. He is survived by Joan Reilly, his beloved wife of 46 years; his brother Francis Bryant and wife Neringa; his nephew Steven F. Bryant; his sister-in-law Susan McGillicuddy and husband Michael, and his niece and nephew Mary Elizabeth and Michael McGillicuddy, along with a large network of close friends. Peter grew up in Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley High School. In 1975, he met and later married Joan. Peter worked for Diehl's Hardware in Wellesley for over twenty years, where he greeted colleagues and customers alike with his warm smile and easy, friendly demeanor. One of his lifelong passions was music, beginning in high school with his own band. He was an incredible guitar player and wrote his own music. He loved his home in Bolton, MA. On any given day, he could be found hanging by his pool, on his tractor, or tending the garden he shared with Joan. He and Joan shared a love of animals and began caring for animals when they moved to their home in Bolton. Over the years, they cared for all kinds of animals, from cats to goats to pigs. One of his most beloved pets was Saucy, a rescue dog that was by his side for many years. It's impossible to talk about Peter without mentioning his large network of friends. Peter was loved by so many, from the friends he made in the fourth grade to those he met at the neighborhood store. He will be missed by so many people who loved him, a measure of a life well lived. A private Service for his immediate family will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, WELLESLEY followed by private Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. A Memorial Service and celebration of Peter's life for all who loved him will be held at a later date. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Tomo Igarashi

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Rick White

January 14, 2022

My deepest sympathy to you and your family . May the strength of your family pull you thru your loss.

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Tom Salvi

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Tom Salvi

January 13, 2022

Offering my deepest sympathy to Joan, his entire family, and all of his friends. Peter would always show up when we had a party at my parent's house. My brother Steven and Peter worked at Diehl's. He always had a smile on his face. I never heard a bad word about Peter. He was fun to hang around with. I will miss you.

Jim feeley

January 11, 2022

Sorry for your loss Joan. Always enjoyed talking to Peter by the pool when opening and closing the pool. Peter was such a great guy.

Linda Bauer

January 10, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Joanie .
I will remember Pete and the laughs we had over the years.
Rest in peace Pete.

Richard and Kathleen Gray

January 9, 2022

We are so sorry for the loss of Peter. He was well loved and will be missed.

Nancy Agris Savage

January 7, 2022

Peter was a fixture in my home growing up. One of my brother Peter´s closest friends, he was also one of my earliest crushes:) He was handsome, yes, but more important, he was kind. Never treated me like his friend´s annoying little sister. That kindness continued with my mother in her older years - always helpful to her when she would go into Diehl´s for something. My deepest sympathies to Joan and his family on this enormous loss. Rest of peace, Peter "Ra."

Deb Innes

January 7, 2022

I worked with Peter at Diehl's for 14 years and he was always smiling ,and always willing to help a fellow employee or a customer no matter what they needed,He was always going above and beyond.Soar with the Angels Pete .you will be missed

Nancy Agris Savage

January 7, 2022

Peter "Ra" was a fixture in our home for most of my childhood as my brother´s closest friend. He was one of my earliest crushes - not only handsome, but one of the nicest people I ever met. He never treated me like his friend´s annoying little sister. He was also so kind to my mother in her older years whenever she needed something in Diehl´s. My deep sympathies to the whole family on their loss of this wonderful human being. Rest In Peace, Peter.

Linda Wheeler

January 6, 2022

My sincere condolences to the family. Peter had such a friendly, easy way about him. It was always a pleasure to visit with him whenever he came into our store at the farm. He and my Mom discovered a connection through the Brady´s, who were my Mom´s neighbors when she was growing up. We will miss his smiling face and friendly chats. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Peter.

Matty Marchant

January 6, 2022

I´ll never forget Peter´s sweet smile and easy swagger. I only worked with Peter for 5 short years at Diehl´s but it felt like a lifetime. He will be terribly missed. RIP

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

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George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley

477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

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