Obituary: Robert ‘Ian’ Reilly, 55, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Robert Ian Reilly, 55, of Wallingford, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Ian was born in New Haven, September 25, 1968, a son of the late Joseph R. and Penny (Hamilton) Reilly. He graduated from Xavier H.S. in 1987. After graduating High School, he went to college in Boca Raton, FL, then decided to return to Wallingford where he enrolled in Middlesex College and received an associate degree.

While in college he worked at Kemper Insurance in the mailroom, which is where he found his passion for insurance. Within a short period of time, he became an inland marine underwriter and has been with Great American Insurance for many years. He had such great respect for his coworkers.

Ian was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he enjoyed watching the games with his children every Sunday, especially watching the Steelers play the Patriots, which was his late son, Michael’s, favorite team.

One of his great pleasures in life was coaching his children as they played soccer and basketball. He was proud to be a part of the many championships they won. If he was not home watching sports or coaching sports, you would find Ian enjoying golf.

Ian enjoyed vacationing with his family in Dennis Port, MA, Waters Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, CT, and amusement parks. He found a love for cooking later in his life. A dish he frequently made was pasta and homemade sauce. One of our favorite memories of Ian was his Friday text, without fail, “What Do Us Italian’s Eat on Friday Nights,” (the funny part is, he isn’t Italian).

At the end of the day, life was all about spending time with his children and making everlasting memories. Everything Ian did was for his children; they were his best accomplishment in life.

Ian is survived by his loving children, his son, Joseph Reilly; and his daughters, Maria Reilly and Angela Reilly; his brother, Christopher Reilly and his wife Denise Reilly, the mother of his children, Nancy (Pannone) Reilly; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Michael Ian Reilly.

His family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, April 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main Street Ext. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. directly at Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford. Interment will follow at In Memoriam Cemetery, Wallingford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Bereaved Parents of the USA, http://bereavedparentsusa.org/donate.

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