Edward Thomas Reilly, Jr.

March 14, 1944 – March 4, 2021

Passed away sadly on March 4, 2021 after a lifetime of being alive.

Predeceased by his parents, Edward T. Reilly, Sr. and Helen Reilly.  Husband of Marilyn Reilly (nee Plantz), beloved father of Kathy Reilly Dunne (Blake), Eileen Reilly (Bob) and Ed Reilly (Aliki), brother of Marie "Mickey" Reilly. Loving and embarrassing 'Pops', or 'Beanhead', to his grandchildren Samantha Dunne and Megan Dunne, Kristen Smith and Zachary Smith.

Forever loved and missed by his cousins, aunts, uncles, PHS band parents, Quizzo's facilitators, those guys at the folk festival, and former students, who crowned him 'King Reilly' at Franklin High School's first and only coronation.

Ed enjoyed a 30-year career as a high school history teacher, but the classroom could not confine his constant history lessons. Ed imparted knowledge and weaved stories everywhere he went.

Ed enjoyed going to Fischer's and Hershey Park with his family in the summers. He loved camping—especially when it involved regaling (scaring) his family with tales of the Jersey Devil—and taking his students to Tillman Ravine in Stokes State Forest. He was an avid reader, master of politics and keeper of knowledge on all things history and government. He was a Phillies fanatic, perhaps even more than the Phillie Phanatic, and enjoyed attending the games with his family.

He was proud of his Irish heritage and appreciated everything about the country and its culture. Ed backpacked and hitchhiked all across Ireland, from Galway to Dublin.  He loved the people and they loved him back.

His deep understanding of fine literature, arts and music impacted all around him. You could always find Ed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, working security and listening to his favorite folk bands. He also appreciated taking his family to Albert Music Hall in Waretown, NJ.

A Celebration of Life was postponed due to COVID-19, but the family will be in contact for any future services. But, let's be honest, we should celebrate his life every day. Sláinte!