Michael P. Reilly

Michael Patrick Reilly, Age 64, passed away on Dec. 1, 2020, after a very long and courageous bout with cancer. His loving sister Patty was at his side.

Michael was born January 19, 1956, in Rutland, VT, son of Bernard J. and Eileen (Baird) Reilly.  He was the ninth child of eleven (five boys and six girls) and a seventh generation Vermonter tracing back to the Meads who first settled Rutland County. Michael was a happy, funny, inquisitive child and an alter boy. He attended parochial schools through tenth grade and graduated from Rutland High School in 1974.

Michael had many interests including his motorcycles, maintaining his lawn, listening to music (preferably loud rock n’ roll), remodeling his Park Street home, Facebook and watching TV (History, I.D., mysteries, oldies & “Jeopardy”). He was interested in family genealogy including our relation to Hannah Webster (Emerson) Dustin (1657 – 1736). He had a special bond with the many dogs he rescued through the years, notably companions Rocky, Dugan, Flapjack, and Rowdy. He also had so many wonderful, faithful friends. Michael was a generous soul with a witty sense of humor and a litany of lyrics to accompany any conversation.

He held many interesting jobs including Vermont Railway, his own radiator business in his Dad’s garage, bartender/manager in several local bars, and if you were lucky you may have caught his occasional guest appearance with ‘Satin & Steel’, singing his renditions of “Wild Thing” or “Magic Carpet Ride”.  In 2001, Michael devoted himself full time to caregiving for his Mom in the family homestead.

Michael is survived by 3 brothers: Bernard J. Reilly Jr. (Rosemary), Chaddsford, PA, John T. Reilly (Laura), Roswell, GA, and Stephen G. Reilly (Libby), Bomoseen, VT;  6 sisters: Sandra E. Jarrosiak, Arroyo, CA, Lorraine F. DeNicola (Richard), Hamden, CT, Mary E. Sears (James), Grand Forks, ND, Patricia O Cupoli (Lawrence), Rutland, VT, Kathleen A. Reilly, Lakewood, CO, and Maureen S. Billings (Jeffrey), Mendon, VT; 31 Nieces and Nephews and 40 Grand Nieces and Nephews; and close friends: Penny, Tom, Benny and Mark.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, younger brother Brian J. Reilly, and childhood friend, Stephen White.

Michael always told Patty, “Don’t be sad when I’m gone because I had FUN!”

Funeral will be held at St. Peter Church, date to be determined, under direction of Clifford Funeral Home with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Rutland County Humane Society as Michael believed every dog deserved a loving home.

Arrangements are by the Clifford Funeral Home.