Dennis O'Reilly

Dennis Spellman O’Reilly, 78, of Lake Charles reached his heavenly reward on Sunday July 28, 2024 at a local hospital after an extended illness surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis is a native of New Orleans and a longtime resident of Lake Charles. He is a graduate of Landry Memorial High School and following graduation attended McNeese State University where he was involved with the Army ROTC program, and was Honorably Discharged from the Army in 1967 following an injury. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Biological Science from McNeese. He went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Houston and later earned an MBA from Louisiana State University. He retired as the Manager of Employee Relations for Citgo in 1985.

Shortly after his retirement, Dennis founded O’Reilly Enterprises, specializing in Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations as well as Human Resource Consulting for business of all kinds and sizes. His personality was larger than life and contagious and enjoyed playing many roles in the community. Community services included Founding Father of Big Brothers Big Sisters and served as an active member of the establishment of ETC, which included Harbour House and the Emergency Shelter for Children, and served on other non-profit boards of directors. He was past president of the board of Directors of the Lake Charles Racquet Club, a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Kiwanis Club of Southwest Louisiana, member of Krewe du Lac, and St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Dennis enjoyed life to its fullest and enjoyed tennis, gardening, entertaining and spending time with his grandchildren. He was loved by and will be missed by so many. 

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, John William (Sr) and Olive Rita Ladieu O’Reilly and brother, Jack O’Reilly. He leaves to honor and cherish his memories, his beloved love of his life, Karla Manuel O’Reilly, Lake Charles; daughter, Kelly O’Reilly Serrano and husband Stephen, Lake Charles; son, Shannon O’Reilly, Opelousas; grandchildren, Abby Serrano, Emma Serrano, Camille Serrano and Cryslyn Bacon; sisters-in-law, Paula Myers and husband Dale and Betty Wills O’Reilly; and mother of his children, Ann LaCour O’Reilly, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family of the heart.

A gathering of Family and Friends will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday July 31, 2024 at the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, with an ACTS Rosary to be recited at 6:30 PM. Visitation continues on Thursday August 1, from 9:00 AM until 9:30 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be observed at 10:00 AM at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church with Monsignor Jace Eskind serving as the celebrant, accompanied by Father Alan Trouille. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.

The family extends a kind word of gratitude to his caregivers, especially Lisa Antoine (primary) and the doctors, nurses and staff of Christus St. Patrick Hospital, Baylor St Luke’s College of Medicine and Baylor St Luke’s Medical Center in Houston for the professional and compassionate care shown to Dennis over the recent years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McNeese Foundation O’Reilly Family Endowment Scholarship Fund or Big Brothers Big Sisters.