Dan Reilly
Dan Reilly, 73, a 46-year resident of Enfield, went home to be with the Lord on October 18, 2024, due to heart failure with respiratory complications. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, whom he married in 1978, and his three children: Christopher, Kevin, and Maureen.
Dan was born in Manhattan in 1950 and raised in the New Jersey suburbs, the only child of the late Eugene and Eileen Reilly. He attended Fordham University's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, where he majored in English and developed a lifelong love for the spoken word. As a member of the college's radio station, WFUV, he served as a play-by-play announcer for the Rams and as a newscaster. Dan's career in radio took him to stations in Rockland County, Newport, New Hampshire, Westfield, Hartford (WRCH), and Springfield (WSPR), among others. Later in life, he transitioned into building-materials sales, a business he worked in alongside his father. Dan also had an immense passion for hit music from the 1960s, with an impressive recall of songs and artists from the era.
A devoted Catholic, Dan was an active congregant of Holy Family Church in Enfield, where he served as a lector for 25 years. His faith was central to his life, and he never missed weekly mass.
In addition to his work and faith, Dan had many interests. He was an avid fan of sports, coaching Kevin's youth basketball team and never missing an episode of "Jeopardy!" He also enjoyed sports gambling, playing blackjack, and watching content creators on YouTube. Dan was a prolific reviewer on Yelp, where he shared hundreds of reviews of local restaurants.
Dan also had a lifelong passion for professional wrestling, which began in his youth and culminated in his co-hosting the wrestling radio show "Wrestle Radio" in the early 1990s on WNNZ in Westfield. He loved small-town rural America, Americana, small-town newspapers, and obscure post offices and postmarks. He also had a special fondness for the Southwest.
His family is certain he is grieved that he is unable to participate in this upcoming do-or-die election, casting a ballot for his favorite candidate. Dan's family deeply misses him. His unwavering Catholic faith gave him peace, knowing he would one day be reunited with his parents and loved ones. He often expressed his love for Mary, saying, "I love you always and forever." Dan was known for his humility and sincerity-qualities that today are rare.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, with a viewing from 10–11 a.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 23 Simon Rd., Enfield. Burial will take place in Saint Patrick's King St. Cemetery, 1550 King St., Enfield. Reception will follow at Figaro's Italian Restaurant, 92 Elm St., Enfield.

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Published by Journal Inquirer on Oct. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Reilly

8 Entries

Christopher Reilly

January 6, 2025

Dad, Miss you every day. Love you always. See you someday. Christopher

Jack O'Brien

November 10, 2024

Mary and family: I just happened to look for Dan on Facebook and I was shocked and floored by seeing he had passed. I was just thinking of him a couple of weeks ago knowing his birthday was close. We've known each other for close to 50 years as you know. Going all the way back to the Monsey days and all the trade shows in Boston where we were roomies every year. Dan was the first person i called every day when I worked in Waterford and we had many laughs over the years. Our "oldies" music interests were the same and often tested each other. I am in shock and can't believe he is gone. Please know he is my thoughts and prayers as well as you and the kids.

Jerry Driscoll

October 26, 2024

I will always miss his camaraderie and insights at trade events. Jerry Driscoll

Rich Benson

October 25, 2024

I met Dan on a bus trip to Mohegan Sun about 7 years ago. We had a lot in common, and Dan invited me to join the "ROMEO's", short for Retired Old Men Eating Out". It was a loose confederation of six aging Catholic men who got together every month for morning Mass, followed by breakfast and good conversation.

As time passed, Dan and I visited many eateries by ourselves. I think the furthest was the Laurel Diner in Southbury CT. He was a foodie, and would try almost anything. Incidentally, Dan got me involved w Yelp, just as he had been for a long time. During these many shared rides, we talked about anything, and I got a deep appreciation for Dan's live of family and values.

I was very impressed w Dan's encyclopedic knowledge of 60's music. I would quiz him on top 40 songs that I had never heard, and he would know them.

He will he deeply missed by those that knew him.

Ken Matdick

Planted Trees

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Patrick Yu

Sent Flowers

Jay Rubman

October 21, 2024

My deepest condolonces to Mary, Christopher, Kevin, and Maureen and other family. Dan was a great man of strong character. I knew him for over 20 yrs. He was funny, witty, smart, yet also humble. I will miss not being able to go to a game, or grab a bite to eat, or talk sports and politics. Dan and I would trade picks for the football games and text about current events. I know you are in Heaven now Dan, and you will watch over your family that you loved so much. RIP. Jay

Jonathan Dean

October 20, 2024

I am shocked to hear of Dan´s passing. Dan has been my friend since the mid-1970s working together at WRCH/91Q. we connected because of our honesty, sincerity, shared family values, high broadcasting standards and our love of the "hits "and the personalities that played them. He loved his children and most of all his wife, Mary and would speak of her in glowing terms very often. May I never forget his resonant voice, his soulful, unabashed laugh his skills as a newswriter , his openness and his friendship. RIP, my friend.

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