Gerald E. Reilly, Jr. (Jerry),

Jerry was a proud graduate of St Helenas Catholic School. He went on to become a young gentleman by graduating from Salesianum Catholic High School class of 1971.

Jerry worked for 2 years as a city dispatcher for the Wilmington Police Dept. As he said he tried to impress his dad by trying out and going to cadet school.  However policing just was not his thing. He went on to work small jobs here and there. Then decided to go out for a 5 yr apprentiship program ( Sheet Metal College). His father was also an acting member in a sheetmetal local. So with a nudge from his dad. It was a fitting career choice. Jerry Took to it like glue. He was good at numbers. Sheetmetal work was a good challenge. "Good Money and Plenty of work at the time" As he would always say. He then went on to work 25 years as a Sheet Metal Worker for Local 19. He was a laborer,jouneyman and a forman at times. He met alot of friends ( Brothers) gained knowledge and was able to guide and teach others of the trade while making a decent living.

Part time for a total of 15 years. He worked for Brandywine Bakery. Later  Sweets to you by Ginger in Bellefonte Delaware. He enjoyed making local deliveries to farmers markets, wedding sites and various busineses. Even setting up 3 tier wedding cakes including fountains. He said it was calming. He enjoyed this job because he liked talking and interacting with all sort of clientel. Jerry loved talking and carrying on.

Through out his life -He enjoyed and was a competitive leader at coaching baseball, basketball and football for over 25+ years in Delaware. He even went and completed Umpire Schooling. He enjoyed watching the kids grow and learn while still having fun. That was his main goal. Give every kid a chance.

He was a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. If you were in the room at the time of these games be ready to hear his opinion. " I would be a better coach with my eyes closed" He would say.

He enjoyed beach trips to Wildwood, NJ, Fenwick, DE and Ocean City, MD with his family.

For many years as a little tike he would go down with his family to Wildwood  NJ ( Morning Glory Road ). He would always say "my family stayed all the way on the bay side and would walk to the ocean every day". " Kids are lazy these days". He must of enjoyed those days as he always talked about them.

Following his child hood years into adulthood he took his son and met other family down the beach each summer. He continued beaching it every summer and or fall he could. This was his favorite way of spending time with family and friends. You might as well say his second home where he found peace was the beach.  If you were lucky enough to spend time with Jerry at any beach vacation. You were with Jerry at his best. Thats where he found happiness.

He was one of the good guys and would pratically do anything for any body. He was always able to see the good in others also. If you needed a hand Jerry would be there.

Jerry is survived by his son, Justin Reilly (Tami); mother, Nettie C. Reilly; sister's, Robin Reilly (Kevin Haughney), Sheila Paradee (Paul), Elizabeth Carpenter (Charles), Susan Brown (Alfred), Kathy Grillo ( The Late Vincent); brother, John Reilly; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved so very much. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald E. Reilly, Sr.

Jerry will be truly missed, but lives on through the lives he touched...