Obituary: James Thomas Reilly, 78; Formerly Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From Adzima Funeral Home): James Thomas Reilly, 78, of Alexandria, VA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

He was born in West Haven, CT, attended Notre Dame High School and lived the majority of his life in both Hamden, CT and Alexandria, VA.

James, who liked to be called Jim, served as a Corman in the Navy from ´62-´66. He was stationed at the Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. James served his community by being an avid blood donor with the Red Cross throughout his lifetime.

As a young man, because his father was very sick, his uncle James became a father figure to him taking him fishing, learning about the railroad, where his uncle worked, and simply always being around for support.

Jim belonged to the Audubon Society as an avid bird watcher, traveling around Connecticut searching for unique birds that migrated through the state. Jim enjoyed listening to 70’s rock music in particular Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac.

His children, Eileen & Michael and grandchildren, Michael & Katya, were the center of his life. With his kids he shared his knowledge of fishing, bird watching, cookouts on the beach, enjoyed taking them ice skating, and watching Notre Dame football together. One very special memory was when he traveled with his son and daughter in 2005 to Florida to watch the Notre Dame vs. Navy football game. He was his son’s and daughter’s biggest supporter when attending all hockey games and ice-skating lessons while always making sure they had what was needed to play and skate. He traveled several times a year to visit with family during the holidays and birthdays.

With family, he enjoyed going to the movies, theater shows, going out to eat and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He even shared his grandchildren’s passions of piano and dance with his neighbor. He was a loving, proud father and grandpa while at the same time generous and selfless.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Reilly and Franci's son, Arthur Reilly, and his mother, Margaret Reilly. He is survived by his children, Eileen Eagle and Michael Reilly. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael Reilly and Katya Reilly, as well as his daughter-in-law, Elena Reilly.

We would like to give special thanks to Jim’s neighbor, Cynthia, who showed great care when looking out for each other every day.

Memorial donations may be made to: American Red Cross Donate Page: https://www.redcross.org/donat...

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Adzima Funeral Home here.