James Francis Reilly

James Francis Reilly, 85, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 15, 2013 at South County Nursing Center in North Kingston. He was the beloved husband of Hannelore Hofmann. Jim (Rags) Reilly was born on January 31, 1928 in the Wanskuck section of Providence, R.I. His parents, Irene Bowe and James Edward, and brother David lived happily on Branch Avenue and attended St. Edwards Church, where Jim served as an altar boy and was true throughout his life to his Catholic faith. A gifted story-teller and mischief maker, Jim and his brother Dave kept their children in stitches retelling tales of their vibrant Irish-Italian neighborhood, including the story of Monsignor’s wake; Lonagan’s big ears; Nick Borodinelli; Louie the Ragman; the carry me man and the famous “Wanskuck Shuffle.” His drop, roll and run story is legend. Jim was a standout as a member of the first line of his La Salle Academy ice hockey team. Jim helped lead the Maroon to the State Championship series against the “Flying Frenchmen” of Mt. St. Charles after which he was picked as an All-State wing. Jim graduated from La Salle in 1945 and enlisted with the US Coast Guard, serving honorably in the close of World War II. Jim moved to New Jersey and started his 38-year career at Western Union in Newark. A proud member of the United Telegraph Workers Union, Jim was elected by its membership and served as president of the Newark Local for 28 years. Supervising a busy office of dozens of telegram messengers, Jim was an admired leader who was known as a generous and fair boss. Jim met and married Hannelore Reilly and quickly had three children: Patty, Cathy and Jimmy, whom he raised in Bloomfield, NJ. A dedicated father, Jim instilled in his children the importance of education and a strong sense of social justice. Quick to comfort, he was always there with the right words of support, a pat on the back or to “tell’em to go to…” A life-long body surfer, he taught his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren how to ride the waves at Scarborough, Narragansett and Green Hill. He had fond memories of a teenage summer spent living in a tent with his buddies at Matunuck. A lover of horse-racing, Jim handicapped horses at tracks around the country including trips to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, the Belmont Stakes and Saratoga Springs. He faithfully routed for the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. A staunch Democrat, Jim campaigned for John F. Kennedy and every Democratic president who followed. He relished a good political fight and loved a friendly “discussion” with anyone who disagreed with him. Forever faithful to his wife of 46 years, Jim deeply loved his Hannah. In retirement they returned to Narragansett, RI where they enjoyed games of Hi Lo Jack at the Green Hill Beach Club and summers spent with his extended family and friends at the beach. Jim did it his way and will forever be remembered by all who knew him as a man who spoke his truth as he saw it and who made everyone around him laugh. The funeral will be 8:45 AM Tuesday from the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial will follow in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are Monday 4-7 PM.