William Carl Reilly

William Carl Reilly, 82, of Ashford, CT passed peacefully on August 14th, 2024 at home, with the love of his life, Donna (Johansen) Reilly, by his side.
Born and raised in Hartford, CT. William (Bill) graduated from Weaver High School, and at age 18 joined the US Army. His tour with the Army was cut short after only three months when his father, the late William Nicholas Reilly passed and Bill, the oldest son, was honorably discharged and sent home to care for his mother, the late Mildred Irene (Maston) Reilly and assume a parental role for his four younger siblings, Ginger, Marilyn, Tommy and Terri. Good employment was difficult to find at 18, but he convinced a local factory to hire him and Bill began his life of service to others, being the provider, the protector, the dependable, wonderful man we all know.
Bill met his true love, Donna, and married her within the year at age 20. They had five children of their own, Kara, William P., Colleen, Daniel and James (JD). Two nieces, Tela and Mia were added, and through an amazing story of circumstance, choices, friendship, sacrifice and love the addition of Alan (Richie), Hanna, Alana and Athena (Glory) all became family.
His children found life partners that Bill welcomed as his own: Bruce, Bonnie, Christina, Tony, Christy, and Charles. In addition, 18 grandchildren and 22 great grand-children (so far).
Family was everything to our Dad, he knew each of us and his love provided what each of us needed. He was quiet until he needed to be loud and we all knew that you don't mess with Dad and God help you if you talked back to Mom. Some of us needed more discipline than others and our Dad would deliver as needed, but he also had our back in all things, there was never a time that our dad did not support all that we did or come to our rescue. He was a hero to all of us.
In 1963 Bill joined the Hartford Fire Department and served for 33 years, attaining the rank of District Chief and serving his last few years as an Assistant Chief. Co-workers would speak of him as respectful to everyone, honest, fair and consistent, a true professional and a great man.
He served as Bishop, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints whose members referred to him as, respectful, understanding, down to Earth, someone everyone could relate to and very, very loved.
Douglas MacArthur said "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent"
Bill is a true leader, a true man who stepped up at every turn in life, when a tough choice had to be made he always made the right one, his selflessness, his loyalty, his faith, his integrity can never be questioned. He always led by example and his greatest example was his love for our mother. There are no words that can describe the love he had for her but this picture in time helps sum it up.
In his final moments he managed to wrap his arms around her one last time, providing, yet again, that comfort, that protection, that love that only he could provide.
William C. Reilly will be so very missed on this Earth, but we treasure the reunion he now has with those that predeceased him and we look forward to the day we shall see him again.
Following his wishes, there will be a memorial service only which will be held on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints located at 130 South Street, Cromwell CT. All are welcome to attend.
Bill would appreciate any donations be given to the donation of your choice.