Michael James Reilly

Michael James Reilly of Bloomfield Hills went to heaven, peacefully surrounded by his family on November 25, 2025. Michael was born on July 31, 1940 in New York City.

Michael came to Detroit as a youngster and his family settled in Corktown. He attended St. Vincent Grade School and High School. As a young man he worked with his father as a sandhog, in underground construction digging tunnels and foundations. He and his brother John then owned and operated Mayo Excavation Company building subdivision infrastructure and roadside highways. Michael went on to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney, attending night school at the University of Detroit, while working in the construction business. He earned his bachelor degree in 1964 and his Juris Doctorate in 1967, enjoying a long career in Law. Michael has many accomplishments to commemorate, including being an assistant corporation council member for the city of Detroit. He was a probation officer for Wayne County, in service to the recorder's court of Detroit. He was a member of the Detroit and Michigan Bar Association, serving as a precinct delegate for 8 years and executive board member for 4 years. He was elected as Wayne County Commissioner, serving the 12th District for two terms, earning the highest rating given to any candidate in his district. He was a professor at University of Detroit, teaching government courses. Michael had a commercial real estate license, was a talented builder, with a wide-spread expertise in areas such as home design, plumbing and electrical.

Michael and his wife, Karen travelled extensively, circumnavigating the globe. His many interests include the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, theaters, museums, and possessed a love of learning, culture, and adventure. Michael enjoyed the solitude of the wilderness. His favorite excursions included fishing in Hudson Bay of Northern Canada, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, or enjoying his beautiful log cabin in Northern Michigan. He, his wife and family hold fondly many happy memories of their time up-north. Camp Tall Pines was his sanctuary. He enjoyed building structures, hiking in the woods and caretaking the land. Resolute and strong, he was perfectionist in all things he put his hands on.

Ireland was important to Michael, as the place of his heritage, ancestry and a home away from home. His parents, John and Bridget were both born there. He and his wife travelled there several times to visit with extended family. Near and far, Michael was devoted to his family, and will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, twinkle in his eye, and lovely smile. To be in his company meant safety, love, laughter and kindness. He always said, "we are laughing when we should be crying". Ever optimistic, he tried to see the best in everyone. He had a deep sense of loyalty and decency for his family, friends, clients and tenants. He was a man of courage, fortitude, and great strength. As the rock of his family, they knew him to be solid and reliable, stoic and grateful.

His motto was: "never, never, never give up".

A generous and humble man, Michael supported many causes, offering his time and talents to the communities he was a part of. He was a man of faith, a devout Catholic, and member of St. Hugo's Church.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Karen who is grateful and feels privileged to have spent so many loving years with him. He was a devoted husband and father. He had 4 children. His namesake Michael, predeceased him, Patrick (Julie), Daniel (Donna), and Julie. He was blessed with 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His love of children was profound - they gravitated toward his kindness, delight and sense of enthusiasm. He was always ready to meet them at their level to connect with them. Michael was the brother of Virginia (Nena), Margaret, Teresa, Patricia, and the late John, Marie and Eileen. He was a loving brother-in-law to Collette and her husband Brian. He was loved and cherished by their children.

He will forever be missed, his memories cherished.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, December 2, 2-8PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, Michigan.

Funeral Mass Wednesday December 3, 10AM at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Contributions in Michael's honor can be made to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana.