John “Moon” Reilly passed away on October 1, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. He was born in 1931 in Philadelphia, PA.
Our loving husband and father passed peacefully in his sleep at home at the age of 93. Moon grew up in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. He attended Nativity BVM grade school and graduated from North Catholic High School class of 1949.
He served in the Marine Corps from February 1951 to February 1954 when he was honorably discharged.
He joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in March of 1956 and was assigned to Engine 8.
Subsequent deployments were to Engine 21 in January 1957, Engine 49 in December 1962, Engine 2 in November 1964, Engine 33 in July 1974. He was very active in the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22 where he rose from shop steward to being elected president of the union in 1977. He returned to active duty in 1981 at Engine 55 where he remained until he retired from active service in 1988. Additionally he served as President Emeritus of IAFF Local 22.
He remained active with Local 22 in the capacity of Pension Benefits administrator until his death.
He was also a member of American Legion Post 152 in Philadelphia, PA and an active member with the Delaware Veterans.
Moon is survived by his wife Alma Reilly (née Gallagher), sons Michael Reilly (Susan), Mark Reilly (Susan), Edward Collins (Kai), daughters Janet Salega, Deborah Parsons (Joe), Marlene Vondran (Charles) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19803. A service to celebrate Moon’s life will be follow at 12:00pm. Interment will be at a later date.
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