Thomas Reilly

Thomas (“Tom”) Leo Reilly, age 78, died November 15, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after a battle with cancer. He was born January 9, 1944, in Niagara Falls, New York. He graduated from Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1965 and attended graduate school at Niagara University.

After college Tom began a retail management career which took him from New York, to West Virginia, to Newport News, Virginia where he lived since 1978. In Virginia he later operated his own business as a fencing contractor.

Tom was known for his sharp wit and his giving nature. His grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was a one-name celebrity to their friends and families and known to all as simply “Poppy.” Tom freely gave his time to friends in need and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Tom’s faith was important to him, and he was a member of the parish at St Jerome Catholic Church.

Tom was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle and a friend to many. He is survived by his children, David Dropkin (Pam) of Cabot, Arkansas; Patty Hartigan (Pat) of Newport News, Virginia; John Reilly (Tres) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Molly Kundis (Brian) of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; by his former wife Keitha Austin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; by 15 grandchildren and many more loving relatives. He is also survived by his sisters Karen Paonessa (Tom) and Maureen Laubacker (Gary) of Sarasota, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, John Reilly and Ann Reilly, and his brother John Michael Reilly.

A funeral will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Newport News. The service will be followed by a reception at the church. The family welcomes donations to Commonwealth Catholic Charities in his honor.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities

1601 Rolling Hills Drive, Richmond, VA 23229

and/or our website www.cccofva.org