Robert F. Reilly, Sr., age 91, a lifelong Derby resident entered into rest on Monday July 30, 2018 at the UCONN Medical Center in Farmington surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Nancy R. (Baldelli) Reilly. He was born in Derby on July 30, 1927 the son of the late William Patrick Sr. and Rose Lillian (Russell) Reilly.
Robert proudly served his country in the Army during World War II in the Medical Corps and was stationed in the Pacific Theater. He became disabled while serving in South Korea helping wounded veterans. Upon his return home from service, Robert joined the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #4, for 50 years, where he would go on to be a past Adjutant and Treasurer. He was awarded many veteran awards over the years, but the most special award was when he was honored as the Disabled American Veteran Chapter #4 Veteran of the Year in 1989 – 1990. Robert happily served on the Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade Committee for many years as well. Sports were also a big passion of his. He was an avid fan of Derby High School football and baseball, was a season ticket holder of the Yale Bulldog Football team, and also enjoyed watching Army, Navy, UCONN and New York Giants football games. He loved watching UCONN Men and Women’s basketball, the WWE, horse racing and boxing.
Besides his wife, Robert is survived by his sons Dr. Robert F. Reilly, Jr. and his wife Rachell of Port Orange FL., Attorney Steven M. Reilly and his wife Suzanne of Seymour, his grandchildren Robert W. Reilly of Wallingford, Philip G. Reilly of Southington, Andrea N. Stacy of Ellington, Rebecca M. Reilly of Avon, Matthew Reilly of Avon, and his two great grandchildren Samuel and Mia Stacy. He was predeceased by his son Attorney Frederick M. Reilly, his brothers William P. Reilly and Russell E. Reilly, and his sister Marion E. Sengstacken.
Friends are invited to greet Robert’s family on Friday August 3 from 4 to 7 pm in the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St. Derby. On Saturday his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 8:30 am for his Mass of Christian Burial at 9 am in St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth St. Derby. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans in ℅ the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.adzimafh.com
