Edward P. Reilly 86, of the Town of Niagara, NY passed away on Friday July 17, 2009 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Facility in Lewiston, NY. Born in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of the late Thomas Michael and Florence (Wolpert) Reilly.

Edward, the second of nine children, was raised and educated in Brooklyn, NY. He served in the United States Army, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division during World War II from December 29, 1942 until his honorable discharge on November 9, 1946 and was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He also served in the USO in Panama Canal Zone. After his discharge from the Army, he was a singer and musician on Long Island and in the Catskills, NY. Edward furthered his education following his service to his Country through the G.I. Bill and attended Hofstra University in Long Island, NY, Niagara University in Lewiston, NY and graduated from St. John's University in New York City, NY with a degree in English. Ed moved to the Niagara Falls area in 1952. He married Irene Pearl (Reagan) Reilly on December 31, 1955 in St. John De LaSalle Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Reilly predeceased him on December 24, 2008.

Ed began his career as a reporter with the Niagara Gazette and later reported part-time on Niagara County for the Tonawanda News. During the 1950's Ed was a local Niagara Falls D.J. for WJJL. In 1959 he worked in Public Relations for the New York Power Authority Construction of the Robert Moses Power Project, and also hosted as an air news personality at WHLD during the 1960's.

Early on in his career, Ed was as English teacher at Lewiston-Porter High School.
During the later 1960's and 1970's he served in the Niagara Falls Air Base Civil Service Unit in Advertising and Promotion throughout Western New York and Pennsylvania. In the 1970's he worked at Niagara University in the Public Relations Department and during that time through the 1980's also served at the Niagara Falls Air Base in Army Advertising and Recruiting Command.

Edward also worked as a part-time photographer and reporter at Channel 7 News and served the Niagara County Health Department, Healthy Heart Foundation in Smoking Prevention and retired in the early 1990's.

Ed was actively involved and a member of several area clubs and organizations which included ; the Roast and Toast Club with Jimmy Thompson and Eddy Joseph, the Niagara Falls Little Theatre, Knights of Columbus Council #247, Bishop Duffy Men's Club and Pro-Life Groups along with his wife Irene. Edward was also a longtime member of St. Leo's Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and member and former president of the Parish Council. Ed enjoyed singing in barbershop quartets and played in the New York State Power Authority Bowling Team.

Mr. Reilly is survived by his eight children, Edward P. (Pamela) Reilly of Hamburg, NY, Michael F. (Amali) Reilly of Emporia, KS, Patrick G. (Rebecca) Reilly of Youngstown, NY, Shawn T. Reilly of Port St. Lucie, FL, Marybeth G. (Paul) Sansano of Niagara Falls, NY, Brian G. Reilly of Niagara Falls, NY, Roseanne G. Reilly of Longmont, CO and Colleen M. Reilly of Orchard Park, NY, sixteen grandchildren Edward III, Joseph, Matthew and Laura Reilly, Erin, Stephen and Benjamin Reilly, Patrick, Kristen, Nicholas, Hannah, David and Sean Reilly, Caitlin Reilly, Kimberly and Zachary Sansano, one brother Frank Reilly of Hackensack, NJ, and two sisters, Joan Benson of New York City, NY and Mary Ruane of Howard Beach, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by three brothers, Thomas Reilly, Joseph Reilly, Terrance Reilly and two sisters, Maureen Reilly Smith and Betty Reilly Mulcare.

Friends may call on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Wednesday July 22nd at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul Parish at St. Leo's Church 2748 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. Interment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY with Military Honors. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities, 525 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203; Attention Msgr. Jospeh Sicari.