Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Kevin Reilly Obituary
As a child, Kevin Reilly was happy-go-lucky and industrious, and if he ever took a shortcut, his mother put a stop to it. In grade school, he was assigned a book report on "Robinson Crusoe." His mother, Joan, asked if she could see it. She found it suspiciously skimpy, and said, "Well, what about Friday?" And he said, "No, Mom, the report is due tomorrow, Thursday."
"I think the only thing he read was the jacket," she said, laughing.
His father, George, had been a firefighter, and though Kevin first worked as a hydrogeologist, he ended up following his father's career. He was assigned to Ladder Company 40 in Harlem, where his father worked for many years, but was on rotation to Engine Company 207 in Brooklyn.
Known for his generosity, Firefighter Reilly was the first to buy a round of drinks and always wanted to pick up the check when he went to a restaurant for dinner with friends.
Last July, at 28, he married his high school girlfriend, Jennifer Mulderrig. They lived in Manhattan.
In their first year of college, he told her that he was going to become a firefighter, she was going to become a teacher and they were going to marry. She laughed at how he had it all figured out, especially since she had no particular interest in becoming a teacher.
But that's how it turned out.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Roy O' Sullivan
December 2, 2022
Thank You.
Nolan Chung
September 12, 2016
Today I received a wrist band with Kevin's name and age written on it, as a part of the University of Tulsa's initiative to honor the fallen from the September 11 attacks. Even fifteen years later, the memory of Kevin's heroic sacrifice lives on. I am honored to remember his service today. God bless.
Detective Stephen Reid NYPD
December 23, 2013
I just learned about you today. You were a second cousin that I never had the opportunity to meet. It is a small world that we live in. I too was there that fateful day. I hope that I get to meet you on the otherside someday.
Godspeed.
Kayla
May 1, 2013
I have been chosen to research Kevin Reilly for a school project. He was a great man and firefighter.He was kind and loving and a brave man.He is in our thoughts and prayers.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jimmy Tierney
September 11, 2012
R.I.P to my hero.
Jimmy Tierney
September 11, 2012
I never really got to meet my second cousin Kevin but what i here from my mom, dad and other family members I know for a fact that he is one of the bravest man that has ever walked on the planet. Every 9/11 I always have to let my emotions free,now when it comes to keeping emotions to myself overall I can do that, but when it comes to this I do start to cry. If I only had one wish in the world, it would be to bring back Kevin, when it come to heroes i look up to he is number 1 for me and our family. Kevin I love you and I know you are in a better place now.
sarah
September 11, 2012
I never really got to know my uncle but from all the stories i have heard about him he seems like a wonderful person:) i wish he were still here and to this day whenever i hear 9/11 i think of him. For the first time today i saw a video of the towers coming down. I could never imagine anything like it. I will always miss u and even though i never really got to know u i will always love u.
Anonymous
March 19, 2012
Every student at my school was given a bracelet with a name of a 9/11 victim on it, and I wear Kevin's proudly. It is an honor. May you rest in peace.
Melisa Wennerholm
December 10, 2011
I wear a bracelet that says your name and fdny, and I pray for the family you left behind. Thank you for your bravery.
Dominic Bonasio
September 11, 2011
Miss you brother!
Me (left) and Kevin after our fraternity painted the Hartwick wall in (I think) fall '95
Eric Auger
August 26, 2011
Kevin,
It's been about ten years and I still think of you sometimes and am glad that I knew you. You are missed by many...
-Eric
Adam Sanders
August 11, 2011
Kevin,
The 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 is exactly one month away and I have been thinking about you as it approaches. I am sure that you are still missed by your family and friends. I am glad that I was one of them growing up. I pray that you continue to rest in peace.
Love,
Adam
Susan DeGennaro
May 2, 2011
May 1, 2011
I thought of you today when I heard the good news of Osama Bin Laden's death,
Flashes of memories come flooding back from Suny Oneonta,
Suny Oneonta wouldn't have been the same without you,
I remember having a beer with you in Kitty Gordins the day of graduation,
I remember seeing you in the Hamptons 2 years prior to 9-11,
I remember seeing the Picture of you on the news on 9-11 and I was horrified,
You inspired me to intern at Project Liberty to help 9-11 victims families,
Finally, thank god, the 9-11 mastermind is caught, brought to justice, shot and killed, so he can't murder anyone else ever again.
I will always remember your courage,
while you walk into the twin towers heading up the stairs to heaven,
civilians ran out screaming for there lives while you ran inside to help them,
you are truely an inspiration,
may you rest in peace knowing your murder finally got the justice he deserved.
Chris
September 10, 2010
Kev, 9 years tomorrow. I will never forget you Brother.
Tom Tabaczynski
June 14, 2009
Mr. Reilly, Thinking of you as Father's Day approaches. I learned your story recently--please see my 12/30/08 Guest Book entry. Thank you for sharing your memories and photos of Kevin--and for giving me this opportunity to say, "I care." Please think of this email as a hug from me.
Tom Tabaczynski
December 30, 2008
Mr. Reilly,
I recently learned your story when I found the interactive New York Times photo (published for the first anniversary of 9/11) in which you appeared. I clicked on your picture to hear you remember Kevin. Your story of buying him a little Mickey Mantle uniform reminded me of a New York Daily News story I found online a year ago. I visited the newspaper's website for information about the Presidential campaign and found Michael Daly's article about Thomas Monahan, age 9, who died along with his beloved dog in a fire in his home on Staten Island in December 2007. Thomas wrote and illustrated a handmade book about his dog, titled My Dog Sophy, which is viewable online. At the end of the book he pasted his photo, in which he is wearing a Yankees shirt. I have the greatest love and respect for firefighters and police officers because they not only risk their lives every day, they are also Samaritans when off duty. They are always looking to help someone in need--by holding a toy drive, collecting food for a food pantry or soup kitchen, raising money for (and donating their vacation time to work at) camps for children who have suffered burns, to name just a few of their charitable efforts. My heartfelt thanks for sharing your memories and photos--and for giving me this opportunity to say, "I care." Please think of this email as a hug from me, and feel free to contact me.
Michael Marks
September 11, 2007
I still think of Kevin whenever September 11th is mentioned, and I always will. God bless the Reilly family.
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 11, 2007
In remembrance....
Joel Sprechman
September 12, 2006
Kevin, I knew you back in high school, we grew up together but parted ways after HS. It's funny, I'll always remember how you made your stomach 'roll', I was always impressed with that. Isn't it always the little things? Now I'm saddened to learn you were amongst the 9/11 victims. Thakns for your laughs, and thanks for saving people on that dreadful day. Rest in Peace - Joel
Bill Foronjy, Jr.
September 11, 2006
Kevin--or "Radar," as he was known to us at college in Phi Kap--was a pledge brother of mine, and always good for a laugh, a beer, and a keeper of the peace. I was stunned and saddened when I head what happened to you, brother, and I pray God Bless and keep you and your family. Miss you, buddy.
Dave Edwards
September 11, 2006
I had the good fortune of meeting Kevin in high school. We graduated together and ended up going to the same college. While we each did our own thing in college, our paths would cross from time to time as our circle of friends overlapped. Kevin always had a smile, a witty remark, and a positive outlook.
It saddens me that Kevin was taken away from this world under such circumstances, and my thoughts and prayers go out to both his and his wife's family...and while words don't quite ease the pain and reality of what happened, I'm sure he is looking down on us all right now with that grin I remember so well. He is in a much better world than we are right now, and comfort can be found in that. God bless.
Tom Long
September 11, 2006
To Kevin Reilly's father: George Reilly,
George, I met you days ago on the beach, in Beach Haven, NJ, the Saturday before Labor Day. You were wearing your "Never Forget" t-shirt, and I mentioned to you that on 9/11 I had lost my 22-year old cousin, Davis G. "Deeg" Sezna, Jr, in the south tower of the WTC on 9/11. That's when you told me about Kevin.
I went back to my house in Beach Haven that evening and told my family members of our chance encounter. All of us were so moved by the thought of your Kevin bravely attempting to save our Deeg, and the many others like Deeg, that we were speechless for a time.
Though I never met him, your son will always be a hero to me, and I am thinking about him, and his fellow heroes of 9/11, at this very moment in the day, five years later, when the south tower collapsed.
Regardless of the outcome of the war on terror, your son's courage will serve as an inspiration to all peoples, and helps to bring out the finest that humanity has to offer. I feel fortunate to have met you, and only wish I could have known Kevin, as well.
June 1, 2005
Kevin - Not forgotten... my future grandchildren will know about you.
Valerie Guziak
November 13, 2003
I did not know Kevin, but at a special mass that our church held following the September 11th attacks, I received a candle with Kevin's name on it. We were asked to take a candle off the alter and take it home and pray for the person and his family. We keep these candles out (my husband got one too) and light them on all occasions (most recently, my daughter's 2nd birthday). We pray for Kevin and his family each time we light his candle. And, although we never knew him, he won't ever be forgotten.
John Mulderrig
September 11, 2003
God bless Kevin and his family.
Michael Marks
September 11, 2003
I knew Kevin while we were at SUNY Oneonta. He lived accross the hall from me during our freshman year. He was a great guy. We were never very close friends, but he was always very friendly when we did see each other. It's a shame what happend to Kevin and all of the other victims two years ago. My heart goes out to his wife and the rest of his family. I just hope that his family can find comfort in knowing that Kevin was well liked by everyone who knew him and that he sacrificed his life in the attempt to save the lives of countless others. He was, and is, a true HERO. Kevin and his family are in my prayers today. God bless.
September 10, 2003
Kevin seems like a wonderful person to be around. He was fun and adventurous. He truly was aheor becuase he dedicated his life to saving others. That si hat heros do and he made the greatest sacrifce for it, but his memory will live on in those he saved and his family.
Ashleigh
September 10, 2003
I did not know Kevin, but i read about him in the Rockland County Memorial Bio, and would like you to know that my thoughts and prays go out to his family and friends.
God Bless.
Ashleigh
Lieutenant Cheryl Graham-Smith
September 20, 2002
I didn't know your name until it arrived in the mail for me to proudly wear in your memory! I am also a fire fighter and I grieve with my fellow fire fighters each and every day for the heros we lost! You died doing what you love, which is protecting us all. May God bless your family as he receives our hero into his arms.
Please let us never forget!!!
J VASSEUR
September 13, 2002
Thank you for all you did. My prayers are with you.
Lisa Viscogliosi
September 11, 2002
Kevin was a very special person who seemed to touch every one he knew in one way or another. I was fortunate enough to be able to share in his sense of humor and huge heart throughout my college years. Kevin will truly be missed but will never be forgotten by those he touched.
My prayers are with his wife and family during this time. Mourn the loss but always remember the memories, they are what will get you through the toughest of times.
We Will Never Forget!
Karla
September 11, 2002
This morning I attended a performance of the Mozart Requiem in Nashua, NH, that was part of the memorial Rolling Requiem. A 70-something male violinist came to speak to his wife seated behind me before the perfomance. I asked to see whose name he had pinned on his suit coat, and it was Kevin Owen Reilly. I kept Kevin and you, his family, in my thoughts and prayers today. I am sorry that you, Jennifer, were robbed of your chance to spend your 70s with your husband.
I want you to know that the rest of the world does still think about your loss, and we do still care. May you find some comfort in this shared grief, and shared hope.
Mike Sund
September 11, 2002
Thank You for all you did to help others Kevin, Your memory will live on. I received a t-shirt from the La Mesa San Diego, Cal FD from Engine 37 Ladder 40 I have it on with pride in your memory today. You and your family will always be in my Heart. THANK YOU
Kathy Smith
September 10, 2002
I asked for a random FDNY mercy band and received Kevin's name. I pray for his wife and family every day. Although I never met Kevin or his family, I feel they are a part of my family. Each morning as I put on my bracelet, I think of Kevin and give thanks for the sacrafice he made, and I pray for his wife. I hope these messages of thanks and hope will bring Jennifer peace. She married a good man, a hero, and her friend. That's a blessing in itself.
Best to you, Jennifer. I pray that you will find some peace tomorrow in your difficult day of remembrance one year later.
September 10, 2002
September 7, 2002
I have spoken about Kevin to my class of 3rd graders. This helps the little ones realize that each and every life is important, even if we have never met someone. We each touch more lives than we'll ever know. Bravery, kindness and caring make this world a better place. Kevin is a hero I can tell my young students about. I have never met him but have heard of him and his new bride Jennifer through my daughter who is married to one of Jennifer's cousins. See how small our world is. Kevin's life and Jennifer's strength will touch many more people and be remembered always in our prayers. May God Bless us ALL.
September 4, 2002
I pray for peace and comfort for your family. You will always be remembered as a hero. God Bless You.
September 3, 2002
My deepest sympathy for his wife Jennifer, know Kevin will always be looking down on you with love and protection. To his parents and sibbilings our prayers and that all of you can put the pieces of your lives back together again. Kevin died a hero and a American, a nation mourns for all of you
July 16, 2002
Dear Kevin,
Words cannot express the deep sadness and remorse we all have now that you are gone, but you are someplace better and we will see you again.
Stephanie
May 13, 2002
Dear Kevin
I was blessed to meet you at your sister's wedding. And see your beautiful smile & feel your love that you have for your family.
May God's light shine on your spirit.
May God's light bring peace to your family.
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
B. J. Harmon Lt. w/ Louann V.F.D
April 25, 2002
May you rest in Gods arms and find
peace in Heaven. I will wear my 911
Bracelet with pride and honor as a
tribute to the ultimate sacrifice
that you gave as a fellow Firefighter
Michael Iezzi
April 23, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Kevin to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...AND HERO KEVIN REILLY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY...AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...AND HERO KEVIN REILLY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY...AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...KEVIN REILLY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY...AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Kevin "Radar" O. Reilly as I knew him in college
Eric Auger
January 29, 2002
This picture is from a (small)fraternity composite photo from '93, a year or so before I met him. I knew Kevin first as a fraternity brother, and then as a friend. That he chose such a profession is no surprise to me; he was always a kind person, usually quick with a smile. Though I have not been to church in a year or so, I have prayed for his family, his friends and co-workers, and for Kevin every day since a friend of ours gave me the terrible news. I was devastated when I heard what happened, but now I am proud to have known someone who, for the sake of total strangers, put his life on the line.
Erica & Rebecca
January 8, 2002
I worked with Kevin at a Day camp a few years ago. He was a great person, A sweet funny, and giving person. I had lost touch with him, but he will be missed!
Judy C
January 2, 2002
Dear Kevin,
Rest in peace with God. I have every confidence that is where you reside, now! That is where heroes live after they go to heaven.
Enjoy your Angel Wings!
Kate DiGirolamo
December 28, 2001
After the attack, I saw Kevin's name on a list of victims. I randomly picked his name and decided that I would pray for him and his family because I could do nothing else. My prayers are with you.
jennifer garvin
December 26, 2001
I found out we lost Kevin on Christmas Day. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He was my best friend in college and we lost touch... I have wonderful memories and pictures of the time we spent together.
Margie Dvorak
December 19, 2001
I am wearing a Mercy Band with Kevin's name on it every day. I will always remember what he and others did on September 11th for our country, and know that years from now, we will still be remembering. I wish his family peace!
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
We thank Kevin for dedicating his life to helping others. Such a warm and caring heart will be missed by the world. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Kevin. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Deena & David (37/40 FDNY) Segot
November 29, 2001
You are in our Thoughts and Prayers always. Our deepest sympathy.
Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results
Make a Donation
in Kevin Reilly's name
How to support Kevin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kevin Reilly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored