Bernard Reiland

BERNARD F. REILAND, 82 ROCKFORD - Bernard F. Reiland, 82, of Rockford passed away peacefully at 11 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008, in Provena Saint Anne Center. Born Sept. 20, 1925, in Rockford, the son of John and Helen (Oakley) Reiland. Married Patricia A. Farrell on Feb. 7, 1948, in Rockford; she died June 3, 2005. Bernard graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1943, attended Chicago Tech College and University of Illinois with major studies in engineering. He was the assistant chief engineer with the fastener division of National Lock where he was employed for 20 years. He joined Camcar - Textron in 1963, where he was director of research and patents, before retiring in 1988. He was the inventor of the patented Torx Drive System and became known as "Mr. Torx" worldwide. A recipient of the Soaring Eagle Roy P. Trowbridge Technology Award from the International Fastener Institute on March 18, 2008, in recognition of lifelong contributions in technological advancement in the fastener industry, in particular the Torx Drive System. He volunteered and was a past president of the Center for Sight and Hearing Impaired, past chairman of SME and was actively involved in the Rockford Catholic Charities. Past member of Forest Hills Country Club and an avid golfer. Survivors include children, Rick (Barb) Reiland of South Beloit, Mary (Bud) Harezlak of Rockford, Andy (Stephanie) Reiland of Waukesha, Wis., Jo Anne (Mike) Walsh of Chicago, Matt (Lisa) Reiland of St. Charles; grandchildren, Christie (Brad) Gummow, Patrick Reiland, Dan (Christine) Harezlak, David Harezlak, Melissa, A.J. and Tyler Reiland, Keli, Mandy and Dylan Walsh and Michael and Allison Reiland; great-granddaughters, Natalie and Audrey Gummow; brother, Bill (Caroline) Reiland; brothers-in-law, Bill Osborne and Bob Burns; sisters-in-law, Nancy Reiland and Judy Farrell-Booth; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; brother, Jack; and sister, Rose. Special thanks to the staff's of St. Anne Center, Swedish-American Hospital and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10, in Holy Family Catholic Church, with visitation from 9 to 10:15 a.m.; Father Andrew Hougan will officiate. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to March of Dimes for their assistance with Bernie's two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Natalie. For more information, visit delehantyfh.com.