David Richard Reilly, 92, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2026. Born in Providence on March 7, 1934, he was the son of the late James Reilly and Catherine (Bowe) Reilly.

David was the beloved husband of Ann (Galligan) Reilly, whom he married on October 22, 1960. He was predeceased by his brother, James F. Reilly and his wife, Hannelore R. Reilly.

He leaves his four children, David R. Reilly Jr.; Elizabeth A. (Reilly) Fogarty and her husband, Colin Sr.; Kathleen A. (Reilly) Fogarty and her husband, Brendan Sr.; and Michael P. Reilly and his wife, Kimberly. He also leaves his loving nieces and nephews.

David was the proud grandfather of Bridget, Colin Jr., Molly, Ryan, Brendan Jr., David III, Lauren, Madison, Raeghan, and Connor, and the cherished great-grandfather of Casey, Charlotte, Carmella, Keegan, Callahan, and Colin III.

A graduate of La Salle Academy's Class of 1951, David distinguished himself as a talented hockey player. He continued his hockey career at Providence College, where he became a member of the pioneering Friars hockey club.

David and several fellow former La Salle players helped form the nucleus of the Providence College team that joined the Rhode Island Amateur Hockey Association in 1951. Playing at the Rhode Island Auditorium in borrowed Providence Reds uniforms and equipment, the club finished its inaugural season with an impressive 8-2-2 record and tied for the regular-season title. The team's success helped Providence College start the varsity hockey program the following year. David graduated from Providence College with the Class of 1955 and remained proud throughout his life to have played a role in the birth of the modern Friars hockey program.

David proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired with the rank of Captain. He remained active in the Reserve Officers Association and carried the values of duty, discipline, and service throughout his life.

David later earned a Master of Education in School Administration from Providence College. He devoted his professional life to education, beginning his career at Mount Pleasant High School before joining the Smithfield Public Schools. During his distinguished career in Smithfield, he served as Assistant Principal, Director of Personnel and Curriculum, after which he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in 1988.

Throughout his career, David was known for his thoughtful leadership, commitment to students, and belief in the transformative power of education. He championed vocational education, expanded student programs, and the use of emerging technology in the classroom. He also coached several school sports teams and served as vice president of the Smithfield Junior Hockey Association.

Above all, David was devoted to his family. His greatest joy came from the time he shared with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The example he set through his service, teaching, love of hockey, and deep devotion to family will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10 AM. in St. Mary Star of the Sea, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Rhode Island in David's memory.