James Edward O'Reilly

1920 - 2015

James Edward O'Reilly (Big D) of Glastonbury, formerly Rowayton, CT passed away December 18, 2015. He was born in Brooklyn, NY December 31, 1920, son of the late Ellen O'Neil O'Reilly and James E. O'Reilly, Sr. He was predeceased by his wife Betty Shields O'Reilly, his sister Agnes Hauck and most recently his sister Helen O'Reilly. Jim met his future wife Betty, on the ski slopes at Jug End Resort, NY. They raised their two children, Maureen and Tim in Rowayton CT, enjoyed camping, skiing, supporting Tim's baseball and basketball activities and Maureen's Irish dance competitions and performances. Jim was proud of his Irish heritage. As a member of Stamford's Ancient Order of Hibernians, he founded the first Stamford Feis. A few years after Betty's passing, Jim relocated to Glastonbury. He returned to the classroom following 9/11/01 where he tutored math at Gideon Wells as a tribute to the 347 firefighters lost that day. Jim loved music, played piano for senior groups, made friends at the local Starbucks and invited all to come to that next "Big Sing" with the Glastonbury Ukulele Band to which he was an outstanding member. Jim was educated at schools in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. He was employed by the Federal Reserve Bank. At the start of WWII he served as a federal firefighter at Fort Jay, Governor's Island, NY until entering the US Navy serving on the Destroyer USS Duncan DD874 in the Pacific. Upon discharge, he served as a Corrections Officer at Rikers Island Penitentiary. Jim then became a part of the brotherhood of the FDNY which he served for 32 years, retiring as Aide to the Assistant Chief. He completed his studies and received a Bachelor of Arts from St. John's University. Later he went on to receive a Master of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport in Elementary Education. He taught math in Norwalk schools. In addition, he earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Norwalk Community College. He was a parishioner of St. Dunstan Church, AARP #2010, Retired Fire Fighters Association, The American Irish Unity Conference, and the Emerald Society FDNY. Jim is survived by his daughter Maureen O. McDonald, her husband James M. McDonald, their children Mary Kate, Terence and Conor, all of Glastonbury, his son Timothy J. O'Reilly, his wife Kelly M. O'Reilly, their sons Seamus, Ronan and Finnegan O'Reilly, all of Milford, his sister Jean Quinn of NYC, brother in law Frank Shields of Glastonbury and 8 nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives may pay their respects to the family Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 4-7pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Ave., Glastonbury. A Mass of Christian Burial Celebrating Jim's life will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 11am directly in St. Dunstan Church, 1345 Manchester Rd. Glastonbury. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. To extend online condolences and/or share a memory, please visit farleysullivan.com.