Henry Edmund "Hank" O'Reilly Sr.

10/10/1938 - 8/6/2025

Noank - Henry "Hank" Edmund O'Reilly Sr.., of Noank, born Oct. 10, 1938, passed peacefully surrounded with the love of his family and friends Aug. 6, 2025, at home. He was 86.

Hank was the husband of nearly 66 years of Patricia (Kieburg) O'Reilly. They met on a blind date in 1958, quickly fell in love, married and raised five children together. He was a devoted husband and father, and through resilience and deep dedication to family life, he was proud of who his children became. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighted by the joy and smiles he brought to their faces.

He had a strong body and mind. Spending most of his youth in the woods, he grew to have a great reverence for the natural world. His love of nature brought him to the golf course where he spent many an hour searching the woods for golf balls and perfecting his swing well into his 80s.

He never stopped reflecting and wondering about life and its miracles. An avid reader and history buff, he shared his knowledge with those he loved. With wit and humor, he had a gift of storytelling, sharing the adventures of his youth and Irish elder's follies and zest for life.

A good friend to many and a selfless man, he endeavored to help people, often giving the shirt off his back to those experiencing hard times. He was a community leader in AA for 46 years offering support and guidance to all he encountered along his own healing journey.

A self-taught business man he wore many hats over his lifetime, from policeman to insurance broker to small grocery market owner. He settled on building contracting and formed O'Reilly and Sons with Henry Jr., employing many people in need over 40 years.

His children: Henry O'Reilly Jr. (Terrie), Kathleen O'Reilly, Patrick O'Reilly, Erin O'Reilly Lane (Steven), Colleen O'Reilly LaMarche (Bill), Rich Harens (Laurie): and his grandchildren: Kathryn O'Reilly (Ryan Stokes), Sierra Nye (Taylor) Rane Gram (Marcus) and Taennyr O'Reilly (Patrick Gram), Hannah Harens, Colby LaMarche and Casey LaMarche: and his great-grandchildren, Nia, Kai, Cal and Elowyn will all miss him dearly. He loved them all to no end and his love will never be forgotten.

A service to Celebrate his Life and love will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Mystic Congregational Church. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmhc.org.