Book of Memories for John H. "Jack" Reilly

Condolence From charles molesworth

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:17:10 EDT

Jack was the first Dean I worked under at Queens College. After my election as Chairperson of the English Department I came to know Jack well - I always prized his honesty, his generosity, and his sense ofd humor. He never cast an aspersion or a self-serving vote on any faculty matter. He wanted to see the College run well, and that made him a valuable colleague and a valuable leader. He was one of the most serious and most personable administrators I came to know in my forty years at the College.

Photo shared: Smiling

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:51:08 EDT

Always with a smile on his face and always with a good word for everybody, i was blessed to know him and honored to have him as a friend. Emma

Photo shared: Our dear friend

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:47:18 EDT

This picture was taken two and a half years ago. He was attending my birthday party - he never missed one - and his ny friends were there. Oh Jack we miss you so much. As Bill said, you live a hole in our lives... Emma

Memorial Candle lit by Sandy Linsin

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:15:10 EDT

Sandy Linsin

Condolence From joseph brostek

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:16:42 EDT

I recently retired from Queens College after 22 years of managing Commencement and Special Events. In this capacity, I had the great pleasure of working with Jack Reilly on many occasions. He was always a gentleman, a great teacher and an excellent colleague. The College missed him when he retired. Many will miss him now.

Photo shared: How I Will Remember Jack

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:02:56 EDT

This photo is from our vacation last year at Keuka Lake...we had just watched a wild thunderstorm from the safety of the cottage porch! Jack and Keuka Lake will always be locked together in my memories... Anne Woodard

Photo shared: My Last Photo with Jack

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:57:43 EDT

This photo was taken in November 2010 when I visited his home in New York City. It is the last photo I have of us together... Anne Woodard

Story shared: Re. A Voyage of Friendship

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:08:09 EDT

I inadvertently left off my name on my "story," thinking that because I had typed in my name in initiating it, that the name would be there. The story came from Connie Knop--or as Jack would say, "Connie K. Knop from Kenosha"--or as I would say, "Jack's Long-Time Friend" (note that I did NOT say "old friend").

Story shared: A Voyage of Friendship

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:59:35 EDT

Jack and I started out on our voyage of friendship 54 years ago when we were struggling and suffering graduate students in the Dept. of French at the U. of Wisconsin-Madison. We bonded through our terror of some professors and by the demands of taking 4 grad courses while also teaching 2 sections of beginning French to undergrads. Later we would say, "We were crazy to do all that!" Next on our voyage was the start of our professorial lives. Although at different universities, we shared similar horror stories with each other about how hard it was to get tenure and commiserated over the set-backs we encountered--but also rejoiced with each other when we overcame each roadblock along the way and finally got tenure, calling each other as soon as we knew! Our voyage over the next decades included several trips by Jack out to Wisconsin to visit me (on his way to see brother Bob) and my trips out to New York where we sometimes saw 6 shows in 4 days (inc. matinees). We both shared a passion for the theater, for movies and for mysteries, all of which we discussed at length. But our favorite conversational topics were the "good old days," with stories (often embellished and always funny) about grad school, our youth, our families. Hey, cousins, he talked about you a lot as well as about the friends he met for drinks in NYC. We also got together several times in Paris (seeing plays, drinking and eating well--is there a theme here about our get-togethers?) And we even went on a tour of France together (remember, Katherine?). Happily, in recent years our voyage together also included relaxing times in Siesta Key, FL, where we read, relaxed, drank and dined together while looking out over the gulf waters. Sadly, now our voyage together is over but the friendship remains in my heart and the memories of our good times, the funny stories (told and re-told) and our happy get-togethers will never be forgotten as long as I live. When (or perhaps "if") I go to NYC again, I know that that big city will seem rather empty to me and that the lights of Broadway will be dimmer. Despite my sadness at losing Jack, I am grateful that I knew this funny, kind man and that we shared so much during the years of our voyage of friendship.

Photo shared: Reilly

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:03:56 EDT

Jack on the lanai of my condo in Siesta Key, FL

Story shared: Stardust Memories

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:33:13 EDT

I cannot begin to imagine summers at Keuka Lake without you, nor holidays spent in Fayetteville, nor trips to New York City. Your kindness, intelligence, generosity and great sense of humor have carried us through whatever life's hand dealt. You were always there for us. Tomorrow we will be there to meet you in Penn Yan and to say farewell for now. You have joined the ranks of those whose laughter I hear when I sit at the end of the dock, feet in the cool water, looking up at the stars. It has always been about family. Love, Sheila

Story shared: My Brother-in-Law

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:46:53 EDT

Jack,my brother-in-law, was a funny and intelligent man. He was always very dedicated to his family and friends. He is now in heaven with his brother, Bob, and parents. Jack and Bob are probably having a tennis game! Pat Reilly Poitinger

Story shared: Special Uncle Jack

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:23:52 EDT

You brought laughter, love and joy to our family. All of the cherished memories and stories that you were able to tell in your "special" way! Your stories about having to sit through constant performances by us when we were young, and trying to hide in the basement for some peace and quiet to read a book - only for us to find you and perform again! We will miss you greatly. We know that Papa, Nana and Dad welcomed you in heaven with huge hugs. Rest in peace. We all love you. Peggy

Story shared: Unforgettable

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:57:31 EDT

Jack the Manhattanite: The scholar, the theater-goer, a world-traveling raconteur enthralling colleagues and friends, "like family" in the neighborhood restaurants, a gracious and superb host! Jack the Upstater: The tennis player, the library patron, the fan of Finger Lakes wines, the countless evenings spent in lingering conversation on the lakeside porch. Jack the Cousin: Warm, hilarious, collector of exotic last names, off by the lake with a book in hand (a bio of a past screen star, current celebrity or a thiller) and reading glasses on the tip of his nose. Kind. Gentle. Self-deprecating. A ready smile. I'm blessed to have known all three! There will never be another Jack Reilly! Love & miss you! ~Mary Pat

Story shared: I'll Give You a Crack

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:07:05 EDT

"I'll give you a crack that will send you spinning into the middle of next week!' - the oft told story of Sr. Lucretia would make me laugh every time Jack told it. Jack was indeed a master storyteller who held everyone's rapt attention. Roars of laughter would immediately follow one of Jack's stories. Jack's observations of people's quirks and his ability to take those kernels and mold them into colorful stories made for sheer entertainment. Laughter - a simple gift that Jack gave each and every one of us repeatedly over the years. The best medicine. Worldy, intelligent, generous, kind, well-spoken, accomplished. Those are just a few of the words that describe my dear cousin, Jack. How fortunate to have spent every summer of my life with Jack. Additionally, we were blessed to spend many holidays and other family gatherings together! I loved gaining Jack's perspectives on movies, tv shows and Broadway productions. While conversations were always lively, I also enjoyed spending quiet time with Jack at the lake. There was nothing better than to just sit and take in the beauty of a wild storm racing across Keuka's waters. Flashing lightning, roaring winds and booming thunder provided a show that Broadway would be envious of. I had hoped for one more Keuka together. Jack's passing is just heartbreaking. We all loved him so much. As we gather in Penn Yan, I know that Jack's stories have taken root and will be in full bloom as we celebrate the life of the one and only Jack Reilly. Love, Kate

Story shared: Jack Reilly...A Gentleman and a Scholar...and My Beloved Cousin

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:50:44 EDT

I am still numb from the news that my beloved cousin Jack is gone...I literally cannot ever remember life without him! Even when I was young, Jack was always at the center of the family...everyone wanted to be with him! His wit, intelligence, kindness and spirit of adventure will never be forgotten!!! Oh, the memories...his incredible stories and list of odd people he met, all the wild & crazy games (he always did beat us at Charades and Pounce!), the tennis games, dinners, sitting on his cottage porch talking late at night...so many memories. He was the best cousin anyone could ever have, an integral part of our family and someone who will be missed terribly. Rest in peace, Jack...till we meet again...Love, Anne

Story shared: My Uncle Jack

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:54:42 EDT

My Uncle Jack was one of the funniest people I have ever known. His stories over the years always made us laugh until we cried. He was my Dad's only brother and brought tremendous joy and happiness at all family gatherings. He never missed a family wedding, family get together, and always opened up his heart and home to all of us. We will miss him terribly and will continue to "tell his stories"; albeit, never as good as he did, and celebrate his life through our wonderful memories. God speed, Jack and my you have the peace and happiness in heaven that you so well deserve. Love Mary

Photo shared: Jack Reilly with his nieces and nephew celebrating life!

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:07:59 EDT