REILLY, John Cecil

Passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2017, in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Born in Ocean Side (Long Island), New York on February 27th, 1927, he was the son of the late John Kean Reilly and Ada “Lillian” Higgins. In 1945 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1946. Like most boys, he enjoyed blowing things up, he just took to a different level by becoming a Dive Bomber pilot. After his retirement from active duty in 1951, he remained in the Naval Reserves for another 30 plus years. He took advantage of the GI bill and graduated from Leigh University in 1953 with a degree in business. He held various sales positions, selling everything from Flight training simulators to wheels and ended his career working with Weber-Stevens before retiring in 1992. John was very social, giving and a funny man. Together with his wife, Eileen, they organized fund raising dinners in their Church, Church of Transfiguration in Palos Heights, Il. and hosted wonderful dinner parties. Their St. Patrick day party was one not to miss. But above all he made people laugh, and that is his enduring gift to all who knew him. He was predeceased by Eileen, his wife of 60 years, brother Eddie, and parents. He will be remembered by his sons, Kevin and Kerry, both of Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any Alzheimer’s association. A memorial service to be held 5:00 pm, Friday, August 4th, 2017 in St. James’ Anglican Church, Mahone Bay. Thanks to Rev. Barbara Minard for her ministry.