CHESAPEAKE—John Charles Reilly passed at 92 years old, surrounded by his children, on Thursday, October 6, 2022.   He had an exceptionally strong personality and lived a full life with a focus on helping others.

John was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.  He met his wife Loretta when working at a pharmacy and they were married when he returned from his Army service in Korea.  He began his career as a civil servant, working for the Navy at the Brooklyn shipyard.  The Navy moved his job from Brooklyn to New Jersey and ultimately to Virginia, where he lived with his family since 1971.  He retired in 1985 after a 35-year career as Navy civil servant.

He was a quiet thoughtful person who, with his wife, was very dedicated to helping others and the less fortunate.  He was always by his wife's side volunteering and helping at Oasis Social Ministry and doing whatever he could as needs arose.   He was adept with tools and could fix or build anything to help keep the Thrift Shop going.  His biggest project was the conversion of an old warehouse into the previous Oasis Thrift Shop, constructing offices, food storage, and a dining area for those who needed lunch.  Although he was self-taught, he made sure his sons learned the basics of construction and home repair.

His faith and church were also keystones of his life.  He was member of Church of the Resurrection from 1971, the year it was established.  He was a long-time usher who in his later years enjoyed the Saturday evening Masses and never missed a weekend.  He was very rooted in his faith and although he didn't speak a great deal about it, it was obvious from his actions.  A good neighbor, he freely gave to anyone who asked for his help without expecting anything in return.  He reached out to family and friends with personally created greeting cards for every occasion to let them know they were remembered and cared about.

As his children grew, he was blessed with grandchildren, for which he always had time, regardless of what else might be going on.  The grandchildren saw a loving example of marriage through his marriage to Loretta. They always found a way to bend the "rules" of the house so they could play in the living room or have Happy Meals if they asked.  He always had a bowl of candy of some sort available, with Hershey Kisses and Peppermint Patties being his favorites.

Although not an extroverted presence, John was always quietly impactful in the things he said and did.  His advice and guidance will be missed by his children, always practical and thoughtful; he worked for the best for them.  He was always the expert on call when any of them had a question, a problem, or a home repair issue.

John was predeceased by his wife, Loretta Ann Reilly; and brothers Edward Harrington and Thomas Van Tine. He is survived by his three children: Robert J. Reilly and wife Susan, Peter G. Reilly and wife Pat, and Ann M. Reilly; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 14, at Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth. The family will receive friends at the church an hour prior. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oasis Social Ministry, 800 Williamsburg Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.