Patrick J. Reilly

Patrick Joseph Reilly, of Pearl River, New York, born just outside of Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland, died on January 10, 2026, in the Ninety-Fourth Year of his life. He is sadly missed by his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Margaret Rose Reilly; by his four sons Michael (Elaine), Ronald (Erica), Colin (Laura) and Keith (AnnMarie); by his grandchildren Patrick, Keelin (Emmeline), Melina, Aidan, Caroline, Grace, Phoebe and Emmet; and by his sister Eileen Cassidy, and brothers Michael, Tommy and Stephen. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Kate Reilly, his brother Seamus and his sister Rita Duffy.
Pat lived a life that embraced and embodied the American dream, without ever diminishing his love for his native Ireland. After initially immigrating to Canada, he arrived in the United States in 1957. He returned to Ireland to marry his sweetheart Margaret, and then began his career as a bricklayer and later as lead bricklayer foreman overseeing the masonry construction of high-rise apartment buildings, hospitals, university halls and other structures throughout the New York City area. His favorite project was his final -- managing bricklayers involved in the construction of the Kennedy Airport air traffic control tower.
Pat and his wife Margaret moved to Pearl River in the mid-1960s, where they raised their four sons and integrated themselves into the fabric of the town. Pat was active for many years in the St Margaret's Knights of Columbus. For several years he served in the Pearl River Volunteer Ambulance Corps. During a slowdown in construction during the mid-1970s, he redirected his energy and, along with his wife, established Margaret's Grocery as a deli and convenience store at the corner of West Central Avenue and Route 304 – the business anchored the west side of Pearl River's commercial district and thrived for decades under his and subsequent ownership. After his retirement, he indulged in his love of reading and was a frequent visitor to the Pearl River Public Library.
Pat enjoyed spending time at his properties in the Catskill Mountains, and, in later years, relaxing by the sea in Cape May and Spring Lake, NJ. Retirement travel brought him and Margaret to England on multiple trips, as well as visiting sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren across the United States, watching the next generations of Reillys grow and flourish. And of course, he loved returning to his native Ireland and reconnecting with his family and old friends.
A man of great intellectual breadth and personal engagement, Pat was a poet and artist, as well as a great storyteller who delighted in a good bit of craic. His survivors will cherish his memory and many warm moments which he shared with family and friends. Always helpful, successful in life, alert to the feelings and needs of others, Pat was forever radiating good wishes to all people in Pearl River, Ireland and the U.S.A.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a gift in Pat's memory to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org/donate ).
To view the funeral mass live stream please follow the link https://www.facebook.com/stmargaretpearlriverny To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patrick J. Reilly, please visit our floral store.