Obituary: John Francis Reilly III, 76

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home): John Francis Reilly III, passed away on Friday February 24, 2023. He was a successful recipient of a lung transplant at New York Presbyterian, but ultimately succumbed to metastatic melanoma after a courageous battle.

John was born on January 1, 1947 to John (Jack) F. Reilly II and Evelyn Reilly. He was raised in West Haven along the shore which inspired his love for the sea. As a youngman, John became a master of all tools, building a small boat and assisting his father in building their first home. He also enjoyed many days hunting and fishing with great friends.

John graduated from West Haven High School where he played football for the Blue Devils. Continuing a family tradition of Naval service, John joined the Navy and served as a quartermaster navigator on the USS Arcadia, a destroyer tender.

The day after he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he met the love of his life, Linda Ann Formaggioni, at his friend's wedding. Together they began their great love story filled with adventure and laughter. They enjoyed 54 years together skiing, sailing, golfing and traveling extensively. John had a tremendous love for his family.

The “Dear” Camp in Vermont and several of their sailboats, most recently the Shenanigans, were special places that created many fond family memories. As an avid skier, John was also famous for teaching everyone in the family how to ski!

John was a graduate of the University of New Haven with a degree in Marketing and Business and a member of their Alumni Association. John worked for a brief period of time at the United Illuminating Company as a lineman. Later in life, he was the proud owner of Commercial Furniture Service Corporation for 35 years and was President of the Hamden Business Network International.

He led a very service directed life. John was the President of Wallingford Rod and Gun Club, the Connecticut representative to the National Wildlife Federation, Past Commodore of Duck Island Yacht Club, a member of the Men's Association at St. John Vianney Church of West Haven, and a participating member of Our Lady of Assumption parish, where he served as a member of the Social Action Committee and was chairman of their many food drives. John received the honors of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, Council #5467, where he served as Chairman of the “Men in the Kitchen.” He was awarded “Knight of the Year,” in recognition of that work. He was a recipient of The Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation, from the Archdiocese of Hartford.

John is survived by his loving wife, Linda Reilly, his son John F. Reilly IV and wife, Aimee Bergey Reilly, and their children, Aidan and Gavin, his daughter Christina Sagnella and husband, John A. Sagnella, and their children, Jackson and Hannah. John is also survived by his sisters Maureen Longley (Luzerne) and Sharon DiBisceglie (Frank); along with three nieces and nephews: Melissa (Mike), Michelle, and Kevin (Danielle), and several great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a very special thanks to NY Presbyterian Hospital, Smilow, Connecticut Hospice and all the teams of medical professionals that cared for John throughout his journey. In addition, the family would like to thank their many friends and neighbors for their prayers and loving support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Rd., Woodbridge. Burial with military honors will follow in East Side Cemetery. Calling hours at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden will be Friday, March 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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