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BORN
1936
DIED
2023
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David Reilly Obituary
April 5, 2023
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - David F. Reilly, Jr. of Hilton Head, South Carolina, passed away on April 5th, 2023. David was born on March 4th, 1936 to David Sr. & Agnes Reilly in Brooklyn, New York, and was the oldest of seven siblings. He was 87 years old. He attended St. Frances Prep High School in Brooklyn. David was a proud Navy veteran having served from 1957 through 1962, when he was honorably discharged.
David had a long career in the newspaper industry working for the New York Daily News and the New York Times before he retired in 2001. He and his wife Thelma also owned and operated a restaurant – The Upper Crust – from 1995-2002, located in the Pocono Region (Lakeville) of Pennsylvania.
In 1965 he met and married Thelma (Candon) of Sheffield, England. They had two daughters, Julie (Reilly) Rochester (Marquette, MI) and Diane Reilly (Hilton Head).
David and Thelma moved to Hilton Head in 2004. He embraced the area from the moment of his arrival. He enjoyed golfing with his family and friends at many courses on the island, tinkering with his 1986 Mercedes, and enjoying "happy hour" at his favorite hang outs!
David was preceded in death by his wife Thelma (2020), his parents – David Sr. and Agnes Reilly, and his brother, Charles. He is survived by his daughters Julie Rochester (Glen) and Diane Reilly (Charles Stundzia), his grandchildren Avery Elsner (Austin) & Oliver Rochester, and his great-granddaughter Eleanor Elsner. His is also survived by his brothers Brian, Michael and Kevin and his sisters Dorothy and Eileen.
Visitation services will be held Monday, April 17th 11am-1pm, with a brief service at 1pm at the Island Funeral Home (4 Cardinal Rd. Hilton Head, SC). The burial will follow at approximately 2:15pm at Six Oaks Cemetery (175 Greenwood Dr. Hilton Head, SC). Islandfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Reilly
Terry and Diana Smay
December 2, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. We are snowbirds from PA and met Dave a few years ago at Reilly's Happy Hour. Great guy! We always looked forward to seeing, talking and learning from Dave each February. He will be greatly missed! Rock n Roll our friend. With heartfelt sympathy.
Terry and Diana Smay
Friends
Alan Rashkover
April 23, 2023
I worked with Dave and his brother Charlie and Charlie´s 2 sons at the Daily News. Great family..
Rest In Peace Dave
Sean Ryan
April 17, 2023
So sorry for your loss...he will be missed by all of us- and the Reilly's happy hour crew for sure.
Eileen New
April 17, 2023
Please accept my condolences. Your Dad is in Paradise with your Mom. May he Rest In Peace. Love, Eileen New
Joe Striano
April 17, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the Reilly family. My family has known Dave for many years. Dave worked with my Uncle Bobby Goldkranz at the Daily News in NY for many years. Dave will be missed by many.
Mack and Lisa
April 16, 2023
My wife Lisa and me talked with Dave many early mornings while walking our dogs and Dave waiting for his NY Times. I think he died from a broken heart when his wife passed a few years ago. He spoke of her often. Dave would often say "Rock n Roll" as we said goodbye for the moment. Dave you´re a class act and we hope you´re reunited with your British wife now.
Love Mack and Lisa Davis
Close neighbors
Denise and Joe Fay
April 14, 2023
We loved coming to the island being greeted by you in the morning! Reminiscing about our good old Brooklyn days and the Daily News! . So glad you got to enjoy the daily News we brought over! Willie will miss you also because you always complimented what a good dog he was! Will surely miss you dear Dave. Love your neighbors across the street Dee and Joe!
Terry and Scott Edris
April 14, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family every day. We wish we would have had more time to get to know him- Love his new neighbors from New Jersey!
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Memorial Events
for David Reilly
Apr
17
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Island Funeral Home & Crematory4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
Apr
17
Funeral services provided by:
The Island Funeral Home & Crematory4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
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