John J. Reilly

John J. Reilly, 90, died with family by his side on November 19, 2022 at his home in Dorset, Vermont. Jack was born September 3, 1932 in Albany, New York, the oldest of the eight children of Philip and Anna Reilly. He graduated from high school at Vincentian Institute in 1950 and from Colgate University in 1954. In 1955, Jack married Barbara Smith, also of Albany, NY. They had eight children together. He often talked about how his family was his greatest accomplishment and that the best thing he ever did in his life was to marry Barbara. A devout Catholic, Jack lived his values and always sought ways to help and counsel friends, family and colleagues. Although he lived many places, his Albany roots ran deep and his childhood pals remained some of his dearest lifelong friends. As a young man, Jack was a student athlete, gaining admission to Colgate on a golf scholarship. His athletic prowess continued throughout his life with his avid pursuit of golf, tennis and running. He took great pleasure in being a steward to the woods surrounding his home in Dorset, VT. He enjoyed listening to music and watching sports - and frequently, at the same time. But above all, he loved to have his family around him sharing long dinners with lots of storytelling. Jack was a man of tremendous drive, energy and ambition. At IBM, he enjoyed a long and successful international career, taking him all over the world and his family all over the country. He began at IBM as a salesman and rose to the level of divisional vice president. After retiring from IBM in the 90’s, he co-founded Parlance Corporation where he served as CEO until he retired in 2017. Jack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara, and by his children: John (and Lise) of Denver, CO; his daughter-in law, Amy of Pleasantville, NY (wife of Joseph who passed away in 2020); Jeff (and Barbara) of Marietta, GA; James (and Cindy) of Danby, VT; Sheila Kelly (and Bob) of Great Falls, MT; Katie (and Hoyt Taylor) of Chapel Hill, NC; Theresa Lundahl (and Gary) of Webster, NY and Philip (and Tammy Prevost) of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, along with his siblings Mary Devane and Marcia Geiger (David) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Philip (PJ), Joseph, Lucy Somerville, Nancy and Peter. Funeral services for Jack will take place on Thursday, December 1, at 10:00 am at Christ Our Savior Church located at 398 Bonnet Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255. If friends desire contributions in memory of John J. Reilly may be made to either The Wilson House or VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net