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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Francis Xavier Reilly

Francis Xavier Reilly, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Wilmington in 1926, he was the son of the late Alice Scanlon Reilly and John E. Reilly Sr. His wife of 73 years, Kay Vandenbraak Reilly, died in 2023. He was also predeceased by his daughter Karen Reilly Nardi, sister Alice Mulshenock, and brothers Jack, Donald, and Gerald.  He is survived by daughters Patty Souffie (Bob), Kerry Wendel (Bill), Megan Gorelick (David) and sons Kevin (Paula), and Sean. Eighteen grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren called him “Poppop.” His sisters Eleanor Reilly Riley, Teresa Hayman and brother Joe Reilly also survive Fran.

He was a charter member of St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church where he attended daily Mass and volunteered his time. A World War II veteran, he served on a destroyer in the Navy during the war. Fran gave his time, talents, and treasures to mainly four things: God, family, friends, and community. Our hearts are broken as we mourn him, yet full for the love and example he gave us, which will endure forever in the legacy he created.

A Funeral Mass for Francis will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 at 11:30 am, with a visitation from 9:30 am to 11:30 am,  at St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church.

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Funeral Services

A Funeral Mass for Francis will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 at 11:30 am, with a visitation from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be private.

Condolences

    Elaine &Scott Jackson writes,
    We will miss Fran's smiling face at 8:30 Mass on Sundays. It was delightful to chat with Fran while escorting him in to church each week. So sorry for your loss.
    03/15/2024 06:47 pm
    Annette Schuh Hamilton writes,
    I'm very sorry for your loss! Your Dad was a good man! Please accept my condolences. Annette Schuh Hamilton
    03/16/2024 01:59 pm
    Annie Monaghan lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Reilly Family, so sorry for your loss. Mr. Reilly was a classy, handsome Gentleman with a wonderful nature. I am sure he will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers for his Family.
    03/18/2024 11:50 am
    Eileen Finnegan writes,
    To the family of Francis Reilly. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. He was really such a wonderful person, so kind and thoughtful. He will be truly missed. Eileen Finnegan
    03/25/2024 04:01 pm
    MaryBeth (Diksa) Shay lit a candle and writes,
    Many memories of Mr & Mrs Reilly from growing up in Blue Rock….My condolences to all the Reilly family on this loss…
    03/25/2024 10:15 pm
    Donna Diksa Franklin lit a candle and writes,
    To the Reilly family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many memories of your dad that bring a smile to my heart. Your dad was such a wonderful person.
    03/29/2024 06:35 am
    Robert Northrop writes,
    To the Reilly Family: It is with sincere sadness to learn of the passing of Mr. Reilly. He is the last of the Greatest Generation in my life. It is also with genuine gratitude that Mr. And Mrs. Reilly were a big part of my childhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with Francis & Kay Reilly and the entire Reilly family at this time. God Bless.
    03/29/2024 11:29 am

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