Frank Aloysius Reilly joined our Lord in heaven on June 18, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Molly and his best friend and brother, Bob. He is survived by his five children: Mary Ellen, Suzie (Tim), Barbie (Carl), Hap (Stephanie), and Mike (Tamara). Additionally, he was the beloved Pop of 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Frank graduated from St. Michael's High School and then Fordham University. Education was a cornerstone of his life; he later earned master's degrees in English Literature, Human Relations, and Counseling.

Frank received a Regular Army commission in the Field Artillery and, to help support his family financially, opted to go on active duty rather than attend graduate school. He had an impressive Army career, which included assignments in Airborne units as well as overseas tours in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and England. He served with distinction in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

After retirement from the Army, the Reillys joined Frank's brother Bob and his family in Tucson. Frank began a 26-year career at Salpointe Catholic High School as a teacher, dean, coach and counselor.

A proud Brooklynite and Irishman, Frank used his exceptional communication skills to connect with young and old alike. His love of language extended to the written word. Frank wrote continuously throughout his life and ultimately published several works of short fiction including Tales of Old Fort Sill, Elixir, and Ghosts.

Frank truly lived his faith, whether by working in Catholic education, attending Mass daily, embodying Catholic teachings at home with his family, or through his support of nonprofit organizations. Frank leaves a legacy of faith, family, generosity, service and humor that will be remembered and deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Fairwinds Desert Point and the Oro Valley Hospital ICU for their loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sister José Women's Center at https://sisterjose.org/donate/.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel on November 30, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Nov. 14 to Nov. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Reilly

12 Entries

Marci Harrington

November 27, 2024

There are so many fond memories that I have of Frank from the time we moved to Tucson in 1976 and I got my first job teaching at Salpointe. That first year Frank and Molly had Chuck and me over for Thanksgiving dinner. They had a houseful of kids and still they opened their home for two more. Who knows? Maybe there were more invitees besides us! At Salpointe Frank was always very supportive of me as a teacher while he was the Dean of Men. I didn´t send boys out of my class often but when I did Frank always supported me as well as listened to the student. He was very fair.
We used to have annual St. Patrick´s parties at our home for years. Frank and Molly would come and of course he loved the year or two when we had a live rebel band playing at the party! He was a consummate Irishman, for certain!
When Mary Ellen was married he asked if I could sing at their wedding and my friend Sherrie Fry and I sang. It was an honor.
Frank and Mary Jane were quite the duo as Deans. They were fair and strict. The worked I. Conjunction with each other so well that the teachers at Salpointe always felt like they had their backs. I am vey grateful for that.
When I was a brand new teacher (24 years old), I taught Mary Ellen. Then we had to choose who would win the Spanish award. I chose a certain young lady. Frank called me in to the office and I was petrified. I was young and green. He asked me why Mary Ann wasn´t getting the award and I answered that she and the other young lady were both the top students but that the difference was that the other student raised her hand a lot and contributed to the class and that Mary Ann was very quiet. He understood. I relaxed! That´s all it took and he was fine. Ah Frank! You were the best Dad to your kids, the best husband to your Molly, the best Dean to your students and teachers. You always put 100% into your work and your relationships. You made a mark in the world. And when time came and age caught up with you, you hosted your own wake!!! Yes, your own wake!! At the wake you had all your friends, your best drinks, and you wanted me to sing "Eres Tu" to you one more time. You loved that song. So now I want to sing Eres Tu all the way to Heaven and say that you were a great friend who touched my life and made it better. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in the arms of your beloved Lord.

Marjorie (Dalrymple) Knighton

November 26, 2024

My siblings and I were reminiscing about our days on the track and field team with Mr. Reilly. He was always a kind and gentle soul, yet motivated you to want to do your best. He had a Christlike love and you felt that he truly cared about you. What an exemplary life and legacy! Inspiring! May God bless him and his family.

Dana Hilz Black

November 25, 2024

I remember Mr. Reilly well and am thankful for how his path crossed mine when I was young. I graduated from Salpointe in 1995 and he was my counselor. He helped me secure a full college scholarship and I am forever grateful for that. Love and prayers to his family.

Matt Blake

November 25, 2024

Frank Reilly was a fantastic Counselor and a Patriot who committed his life to the service of others. He cared for his students and was a devoted mentor!

Meg Dugan

November 25, 2024

Mr Reilly was one of my favorite teachers at Salpointe. I loved his psychology course and I chatted with him many times after class as he was warm and welcoming. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me to The American University where I ended up majoring in psychology. He was a wise and wonderful person. I'm sorry for your loss.

Tim Ferlan

November 25, 2024

Mr. Reilly was always a gentleman and very kind. God Bless you, Mr. Reilly and your family.
Kind regards,
Tim Ferlan

Jenna Herron

November 25, 2024

Just this week I was telling my son, that Mr. Reilly had us learn "Invictus" and that it´s probably the only work that I still have committed to memory (28 years later.) It was these kind of important lessons he shared even if we didn´t always appreciate the impact at the time.

Danny S

November 25, 2024

I still talk about he would go into the weight room in the early 90s and outlift the football players. God Bless you Mr. Reilly

Becca MacDonald

November 25, 2024

A really kind, thoughtful and generous person. I am grateful to have had the honor of knowing Me. Frank Reilly. He always made me feel welcome. He is deeply missed. Sending much love and thanks to the entire family. Thank you all, for "Sharing" your dad

Nick Mansour

November 25, 2024

I'm sorry to hear this. Your Dad was my Freshman football coach and counselor at Salpointe, and he was always kind and generous. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris Harrison

November 17, 2024

God Bless old friend... I had the honor of knowing Frank and his family from my earliest days at St. Cyrils coaching. I was young and inexperienced, but that didn't matter to Frank...he and his wife were wonderful friends.

I later reconnected with him and his wonderful family by teaching and coaching at Salpointe.

He always had a smile, a gentle sense of humor, and a fierce loyalty to faith, family, and friends...all the while keeping an eye on walking his talk and doing the right thing.

Another thing we had in common, and had fun with, was our Irish heritage...thus I end with this with an Irish Gaelic prayer for him:
"Ar dheis De go raibh a anam"- "May your soul be on God's right hand".
I have no doubt he'll join Molly there!

My love to the family...
Rest in peace, old friend.

Chris Harrison

Adam A. Leon

November 17, 2024

My sincere condolences to the Reilly family. Mr. Reilly was a great counselor, educator and always tried to find the best in each person.

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