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John "JR" Patrick Reilly, Captain, United States Air Force Retired.
John Patrick Reilly was born October 29, 1947, to John "Jack" Reilly and Mary Gildea Reilly in New York City, New York.
John passed away June 21, 2023, at home in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife and son Rudy by his side.
John enlisted in the Air Force in 1967 and worked his way up through the ranks to Master Sergeant. JR was commissioned in 1982 and retired as a Captain on December 31, 1993 with over twenty-seven years of service. He earned numerous awards and medals during his service.
He separated from USAF at Royal Air Force Alconbury, England. John served in the United States, Thailand, Germany and the United Kingdom.
JR met his wife while stationed at RAF Chicksands, United Kingdom. He later worked as a civil servant in RAF Uxbridge, RAF Croughton, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
John loved his family, playing golf, listening to music and volunteering.
JR was a special man with a kind heart, a gruff exterior, a wily sense of humor and he will be missed by many.
John is survived by his wife of fifty-two years Margaret "Maggie" Brown Reilly; sons, Marcus Owen and Brian "Rudy" (Lori) Sheridan; daughter, Heather (Tom Lawson) Lynn; grandchildren, Patrick, Marsha, Reilly, Taylor, Brooke, Marina, Marlin, Manta; and his sister, Maura (Tom Rapp).
John was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Kevin and Miles.
Memorial Service, 11:00AM, Monday, July 24, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80923.
Graveside, 1:00PM, Monday, July 24, 2023, Pike Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80925.
Reception, 2:00PM, Monday, July 24, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80923.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Reilly, please visit Tribute Store
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael La Plante
July 24, 2023
I spent a few years working with JR at RAF Woodbridge. We became friends through play golf. We played a lot and traveled around a bit for your events. We were eventually members at Woodbridge G.C. in the UK. We forged many memories throughout those days on and off the course. I was known to be a straight shooter and voiced my views a lot. Sometimes it flew, sometimes not. I think that´s why he and I became friends. We talked a lot via Facebook and he even showed up in OK for a round of golf. I told him numerous times I would be there to play a round in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately now more than ever, I will not be there in time.
John, you had a definite impact on my life and I appreciate every moment we spent. Some getting my butt chewed and some laughing hysterically. You were a good man, a good officer, and a good friend.
Thank you for the political sparring and staying in touch over the years.
Play through Brother and I´ll catch you on another round.
Bobby and Rhonda Dodd
July 24, 2023
We have such fond memories of Captain Reilly from our time together in England. Rhonda still remembers when he scared the heck out of her when he dressed up like that mummy. Lol.
He was a great man to work for and a great racquetball partner. He lives on in our memory. God bless John and his family.
William Searer
July 24, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Jon and Lorraine
July 23, 2023
John was such a good man. Always joyous and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family with all his heart. He will truly be missed.
All our love Jon and Lorraine
Rudy T Reilly
July 18, 2023
Nearly a month since that fateful night, it still doesn´t seem real that he´s gone . It´s been a very emotionally draining few weeks going through pictures and re-living memories, talking to his many great friends and family, every day at some point the tears kick in and it´s soo hard, I miss you pop, and I am very grateful for all you have done for me especially in the last year with all of my brutal health issues that I know concerned you very much.
God bless you dad, I could not have had a better father
Derek Brown
July 14, 2023
My sister Margaret is in my heart right now. How I would love to give her a hug at this sad time.
I will remember John for his kindness and generousity to the whole Brown family in the UK. Then of course for the never ending process of learning our "common" language, English! Who knew that so many words could have such different meanings depending upon which side of the ocean you were from, a source of endless confusion and amusement.
Bev
July 12, 2023
Good friends and great memories from 11762.
Your emailed book reviews will be missed.
AND....
If anyone deserves a heavenly golf game it´s JR. And the foursome should include #7, #9 and of course Arnie.
John Tunks
July 10, 2023
I remember Maggie and John in their courting days , I would call by No.103 and they would be on the living room floor making rugs. Another time, again at No103, I arrived and John gleefully informed me I had had a dedication on the radio. Fast forward a few years and John came to GEC headquarters in Borehamwood for a job interview, I worked in the same building and was very happy to sign him in and escort him around the building. It always bothered me that I couldn't do more to help him.
Respect to John, rest in peace now. So sorry for your loss Maggie.
Lots of love John.B, Linda and all of the Tunks family xx
maureen canady
July 7, 2023
John was a great husband father, and grandfather. We are so sorry for your loss. Remember those great memories you created together, that will always keep him close to you and the family. Praying for all of you.
Gene & Mo Canady
maureen canady
July 7, 2023
So sorry Maggie John was a great husband father and grandfather, you have shared so many memories and if you always remember those good times it will help you get through this. Our love to you and the family
Gene & Mo Canady
Lisa Hatfield
July 5, 2023
John was a man of principle. He was clear about what would work for him, and what wouldn't, and his reason why. When he said he would do something, he did it. I learned so much from him.
Rudy T Reilly
July 4, 2023
The home doesn´t feel the same , you are so, soo missed by soo many dad , and loved by soo many.
I love you dad
RIP
A. J. Paluska, Jr
July 4, 2023
Reilly Family:
I´ll always remember the Council ride to Barry Werfel´s house in NJ. John was driving us in his car when we broke down on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. We had to put out an engine fire. John´s father picked us up. It was quite an adventure! Rest in peace brother.
LTC A. J. Paluska, Jr, USA, Retired
Pershing Rifles Fraternity brother
Sandra Candelaria
July 4, 2023
Dear Maggie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Maggie, we only met John last year, but being with you we recall the great love you had for your dear husband.
In your grief you were showing other love and great kindness.
May the good Lord bless you and keep you.
Sandra and Joe Candelaria
Albuquerque, NM
Tammy Crafts
July 3, 2023
JR you are deeply missed and one of the best neighbors and friends our family could have ever asked for. Definitely a gruff exterior with the biggest heart of gold and would give the shirt off your back if needed. We love and miss you, friend and will continue to stay in touch with Maggie.
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