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TIMOTHY REILLY Obituary
Nov. 1, 1951 – Dec. 20, 2025
Former Imperial County Chief Public Defender Timothy J. Reilly died December 20 at his home in El Centro. He was 74 and had been battling cancer and the effects of a stroke he suffered in November 2024.
Tim retired as the Chief Public Defender in 2016 after 30 years in the Public Defender's office. The last ten years as the Chief PD. He ably represented thousands of clients.
When he retired the Imperial County Board of Supervisors lauded him for "His integrity, intellect and humanitarian nature...that made an impact in the Public Defenders' Office, the community, and in all those who had the opportunity to work with him."
Evidence of his impact in the PD's office was seen in the final months of his life as his former employees flocked to visit him in the hospital and later at home as he battled his cancer.
Tim was a beloved son, brother and brother-in-law, who will be sorely missed for his dry wit and even temper.
He also was a cherished uncle - a role he took very seriously. Tim made frequent trips up San Francisco and back East to see his nieces and nephews. He never missed a graduation, baptism, or wedding. To his three nieces, who no doubt recognized his generous spirit and an easy mark, he was known fondly as "Uncle Easy."
Tim was a 1969 graduate of Jesuit High School in Sacramento. He attended the University of San Francisco before graduating from San Francisco State University 1973. He earned his law degree at San Francisco Law School.
Prior to beginning his law career Tim had worked several seasons building the Alaska oil pipeline as a welder's helper. He also worked a summer as a taxi driver in Ketchikan, Alaska. He was a union activist while working jobs to pay for law school, including a stint as a Teamster local shop steward.
Tim was an avid reader - he leaves behind hundreds of books in his house. He also was an avid golfer - though his proficiency at that sport did not match his reading comprehension. He was a lifetime 49er and Giants fan, diehard Notre Dame football fan and closely followed the USF Dons basketball.
Tim is predeceased by his parents, Jane and Jim Reilly and his brother and sister, Michael and Maureen Reilly.
He is survived by his brothers Paul (Deborah) of Washington, DC, Kevin (Janice), and James (Jovanne), both of San Francisco and Matthew of El Centro as well as six nieces and nephews: Caitlin (Ian), Bridget, Maura Ann, Domenic, Anthony (Tracey) and Eamon, and one grandniece Liana.
Tim was born November 1, 1951 in San Francisco, which at his request, is where he will be buried.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 29, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 153 E. Brighton Ave.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for TIMOTHY REILLY
Dan Prince
January 1, 2026
I learned from Tim that we were both attending SF State University at the same time during our college years. As a member of the Community Corrections Partnership Executive Committee here in Imperial County, I valued his thoughtful insights and appreciated his support.
Condolences to the family; a wise and humble leader among the justice community.
Dan Prince
silver Espinoza
December 30, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Poli and Mercy Flores
December 30, 2025
To our dear friend, Tim: In court, you were a fearless lion. Out of court, you were a kind, compassionate human being. You will be missed by many.
Maria Birdsall
December 30, 2025
I was sorry to read of Tim´s passing. He was a wonderful person and a true class act.
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Mary Harmon
December 30, 2025
Jim Harmon thought the world of Tim, enjoying the annual, good-natured ribbing that went along with the USC v Notre Dame football game. The wager was always a six-pack of beer, the last debt paid being a Guinness (guess who won that year!) Tim was the consummate professional, a respected lawyer and wonderful friend. I was so sorry to miss his funeral, my condolences to his family and friends.
Susana Salgado
December 29, 2025
An Irish prayer:
"May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore."
Rest in peace Tim.
Sid Hester
December 27, 2025
Tim Rielly was not only an exceptionally skilled attorney, but a colleague I genuinely enjoyed standing opposite in the courtroom. I always appreciated sparring with him during argument-those exchanges were thoughtful, respectful, and often sharpened by his dry wit. It was truly a pleasure to do cases with Tim, and I remember more than a few marathon hearings we shared, moments I now look back on fondly.
Tim fought tirelessly for his clients and brought a quiet, steady presence to every case. His arguments were well-reasoned and sincere, and he carried himself with professionalism and integrity at all times. He never needed to raise his voice to make a point-his command of the law spoke for itself.
Tim´s passing is a profound loss. I extend my deepest condolences to his grieving family. As Scripture reminds us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). May they find peace in knowing how deeply Tim was respected and how fondly he is remembered by those who had the privilege of working alongside-and across from-him in court.
Donal Donnelly
December 26, 2025
Many thanks Tim for all the years of collegiality, friendship and grace in our legal community.
You are the spirit of the Irish soul - the devil's wit and intellect; and a saint's temperament and character.
We will miss you greatly. Raise a pint or two for us!
Mona Frix
December 25, 2025
RIP Tim, I met you back in the late 80s you were one of my residents and neighbor, a very nice quiet polite man, always had a smile for everyone.
Robert Weekes
December 25, 2025
Tim was an amazing attorney, a wonderful boss, and a dear friend. I´ll miss him always.
Deborah Serna
December 24, 2025
Rest In Peace Tim. You were a great attorney and a wonderful person too.
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