John Patrick (Jack) O’Reilly, 94, beloved husband and father, passed away on December 5, 2018 in Spokane, WA. Jack is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy (Dottie) Kane O’Reilly; eight children, Dot O’Reilly, John O’Reilly, Tim O’Reilly (Karen), Mike O’Reilly (Melodie), Matt O’Reilly (Julie), Kevin O’Reilly (Colleen), Kathleen Hamrick (Mike), and Steven O’Reilly (Nicolle); nine grandchildren, as well as 11 great-grandchildren. The 5th of 9 children, he is survived by his brother, Bill O’Reilly (Seattle) and over 50 nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth (Ward) O’Reilly and William O’Reilly and seven siblings.
Born in Deer Lodge, Montana on March 13, 1924, Jack was raised in Butte, MT and graduated from Boys’ Central High School in 1943. Soon after, he enlisted in the Navy and served until 1946. While in the Navy, he was an Aviation Radioman 2nd Class and an original member of the crew which commissioned the USS Midway (CV-41). After the war he rejoined his family, who was then living in Spokane, and attended Gonzaga University graduating with a degree in economics in 1951.
Jack met Dorothy Jean Kane at a St. Anthony’s Church dinner. He always recalled fondly, “she looked so cute in a white winter coat. I can still see her walking in the Hall.” They were married at St. Anthony’s on July 16, 1949 and remained active parish members for many years. Jack worked at Bailey’s Shoes until 1963 and then joined the staff at Old national Bank. He was Branch Manager at the University and Lincoln Heights locations and retired from ONB in 1988.
Family was the heart of Jack and Dottie’s life together, especially family dinners where laughter and stories were frequently shared, a legacy that they passed on to their 8 children. They also enjoyed an active social life among their wide circle of friends, traveling, playing cards and attending church functions.
In addition to St. Anthony’s Parish, Jack was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thomas More Parishes. With his fellow friends and veterans he attended weekly lunches at Spokane’s VFW Post 51.
Always a great storyteller and sometime poet,Jack often related stories of his youth in Butte and wrote about his love for his family:
LEGACY
If I could leave you anything - - my choice of
all the earth,
I’d give a happy memory -- filled with joy
and mirth
Riches - - gold and silver - - or objects
Of this life,
Would not - - oh most assuredly be as pleasing - -
or half as nice.
All things that fade and pass away - - would
too soon leave your heart,
A thought - - a word - - when spoke with love - -
from you would never part.
So as we go our way thru life - - and age in
thought and mind,
I hope that I can leave to you - - some good memories to find.
In lieu of flowers family suggests a contribution to Hospice of Spokane. There will be a private graveside service at a later date.
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