Wethersfield Obituary: Brendan Reilly, 84

Brendan Reilly passed away at age 84 on August 13, 2016 at his home in Windsor surrounded by his beloved family.

Brendan was the husband of Claire with whom he had recently celebrated his 60th anniversary. He was the father of Lisa Reilly of Charlottesville VA, Brendan Reilly of Boulder CO and Joseph Reilly also of Windsor. He cherished his daughter-in-law Rome Reilly and was devoted to his six granddaughters; Alison Thomson, Caitlin Reilly, Helen Reilly, Fiona Reilly, Natalie Reilly and Elizabeth Reilly as well as his many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law and his sister Bette Jane Tavolaro of Lebanon, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Reilly, and younger sister, Kathleen Murphy.

Brendan was born in Kearny NJ on September 5, 1931. He graduated with a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Brendan was a CPA who began his career with Haskins & Sells in New York. He left private industry to join the faculty of Central Connecticut State University where he was instrumental in establishing the MBA program. He was a highly regarded teacher who trained countless CPAs.

A lifelong sports fan, Brendan was particularly devoted to the New York Giants, for whom he continued to have season tickets for over 60 years, attending Giants games throughout his life. In addition to watching sports, he was an avid long distance runner who was often seen running through Windsor. He completed the Boston and New York City marathons and also participated in the Olympic Torch Relay for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

He spent much of his early life in NJ moving his family to Windsor in 1963 when he joined Combustion Engineering. He became an integral part of Windsor life, serving as the president of the St. Gabriel's Home and School Association, and announcer of the Shad Derby Parade. Brendan served on the planning committee for Windsor's 350th Anniversary Celebration and was race director for the accompanying 10k road race. Brendan was also an avid coach for Windsor Little League baseball and Windsor Youth Hockey.

But his great passion was as coach of girls' Track and Field and Cross Country at Wethersfield High School. Coach Reilly was recognized for his long service to young athletes, named Outstanding Coach for 2008-09 and inducted into the Wethersfield High School Hall of Fame in 2003. Brendan was also honored as Windsor Irish Person of the Year in 2004.

Following his retirement from CCSU in 1994, he continued to teach part time, coach at Wethersfield High School, run competitively and travel until his diagnosis with a neurological disorder reduced his mobility. He will be greatly missed by his large extended family, many friends and former students and athletes. He was a natural teacher who served as a beloved mentor to many.

The Reilly family convey their sincerest thanks to longterm caregiver Ankapong "Ed" Aboagye as well as the Masonicare hospice staff, especially Heidi, JoAnn and Anne Marie.

His family will receive friends Wednesday, August 17th from 4-8 pm at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18th at St. Gabriel's Church, 379 Broad Street, Windsor at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brendan's honor to either St. Gabriel's School (http://www.stgabrielschool.org) or St. Gabriel's Church (http://windsorcatholic.org/st-gabriel-catholic-church) of Windsor CT.

For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.