ForeverMissed
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Larry “The Riles” Reilley passed away peacefully at home, in Oak View, California on Sunday October 25, 2020. 

Lawrence was born in San Francisco to Betty Coyne and Robert “Bud” Reilley, and was raised in Chico, California. He graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 1970 and attended Chico State University. Larry played and coached with the Chico Rugby Club from 1970 until he left Chico in 1980. Larry fished commercially in Alaska during salmon and king crab season. In 1981 he married Kathleen Doud and they moved to Pacific Grove, where he fished squid in Monterey Bay. In 1989, he joined Doud Insurance, moving their family to Oxnard. Larry soon became a partner in what is now Austin, Reilley and Doud Insurance.

Larry and Kathleen settled in Oak View, Ca. and raised their four children: Seamus, Patrick, Kaitlin, and Charlie. Larry loved his community. He was a supporter and board member of C.R.E.W. (Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Rancheros Adolfo of Ventura County, Oxnard Elks Lodge, Rotary Club of Oxnard, and proudly served on the Board of Regents of Thomas Aquinas College. He was also a father figure to all of his children’s friends, especially after the death of his beloved sons, Patrick in 2012 and Seamus in 2013. 

Larry was known as Larry Love. His sole purpose was to spread love and to be a source of joy for his large Irish Clan, his nieces and nephews, his friends and any stranger he met. He loved gourmet cooking for anyone who stopped by his home. At the end of every conversation, Larry would emphasize “Life is good. I love you. God Bless.”

In addition to his sons, Larry was predeceased by his three brothers, Robert, Patrick and Michael Reilley. He is survived by his two children and his former wife Kathleen. He also leaves behind two sisters Terry Westlake of Chico and Bonnie Walker of Folsom, Ca, dozens of nieces and nephews and hundreds of cousins. 

Services will be held when Covid restrictions are lifted. 

In lieu of flowers, a gift can be made to the student scholarship fund at Thomas Aquinas College in honor of Larry Reilley.
March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023
Happy Birthday, precious cousin.
I will hold in my thoughts throughout the day with loving memories and feel your shining light.
October 25, 2022
October 25, 2022
Hard to believe that two years have passed. Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. Love and miss you.
March 10, 2022
March 10, 2022
Happy Birthday Big Guy!!!! Still miss seeing you every day. RIP until we meet again.
July 23, 2021
July 23, 2021
Riles, A great man and true friend will be missed. Your presence filled the room with joy and that laugh always lifted everyones spirit. One of my fondest memories of Larry was seeing him riding a motorcycle in Chico wearing the HALO on his head after he broke his neck, with the biggest smile you will ever see. He was full of life and love and never failed to share these qualities with his friends. A life well lived and I am eternally grateful for the chance to be included in his orbit while on this earth. RIP Larry....
May 29, 2021
May 29, 2021
Larry was a shinning example to the players that played for him at Chico! Always seemed to have a great attitude and gave respect to those that earned it! It was great to see him at the 50th anniversary of Chico Rugby celebration! Much respect for the man and his legacy! Certainly will be sorely missed, but God was probably looking for a great Rugby coach to coach his Angels and he got a good one! Rest In Peace my friend, until we meet again!
December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Dear Larry, what a lovely man. Always friendly and welcoming, smiling and positive. You will be missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you.
November 28, 2020
November 28, 2020
  Larry Reilley‘s big Irish smile would light up any room or gathering. He was my brother-in-law, my campmate at Rancheros, my conversational sounding-board, and a friend I could always count on. All of us who loved him will always remember the many ways he enriched our lives. I can just see him now… Wavy white hair, bright smiling eyes, and his long loving arms around Seamus and Patrick.
  He’s not really gone… He just opened a new celestial door; one we will all walk through someday and be together once again.      
  Kaitlin and Charlie will carry on his legacy with courage and grace while their father blesses their journey. 
November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
I shall never forget your smile and laughter no matter what life dealt you my friend....you shined your light on all so they could see their path...you were bigger then life in your presence dear Larry. You have taught us all so much...never to take one day for granted as we "get to" spread love all around as this world is aching for it....I love you my friend....always in my heart!<3<3<3
November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
Those who knew Larry were lucky. He was a good man who made the world a better place with his deep sense of faith and positive optimistic outlook.
May we keep his memory alive.
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
Larry Love,spread his positive life love message to Los Cabos,when he and I ventured to my home at Rancho Leonero, Los Cabos Baja Sur.
Everywhere we went he introduced himself as Larry Love! How could you take offence in the name Larry Love?You can't and no one did.Larry and I traveled farther south on the Sea of Cortez with the same positive message.We stopped in at Cabo Pulmo,Vinorama,Nine Palms and basically where ever they would have us.
  The tequila was flowing and we had a great experience!! Larry was a good friend and a very good man.Always thinking of others and very Family engaged.He was either going to weddings or funerals or family functions! Seemed like at least one a month sometimes two or three.
He was my very good friend! I will never forget him and loved him like a Brother!! May you rest in peace my Brother with both arms around Patrick,Shamus.God Loves those who share his love!! Larry is well loved by God!! I'll see you when I see you my Brother!! Russell
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
Larry embodied a beautiful soul. I think of him as a benevolent protector, strong and gentle , even saintly. He filled any space with his imposing stature and warm, kind presence. I could often locate him in a room by the sound of his hearty laughter. His capacity to, openly, express love seemed as natural as breathing. In the face of tragedy, I saw a living example of someone with powerful inner resources of courage and strength when he presided over the funerals of his sons, thanking us for coming. Larry was an inspiration.
His sudden passing leaves an empty seat and terrible void at future family gatherings. Forever grateful for the gift of having Larry as my kissing cousin, I trust he is resting in perfect peace.
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
Lare had a heart that always seemed to overflow with love and positivity. We will miss our boisterous and gracious friend. What a love of a man. Thank you for the memories we will cherish forever. He loved his kids and God more than anything we are certain. We will celebrate you forever! God bless you and your beautiful family. Nancy and Steve
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
I am saddened to learn of Larry's passing. I will miss seeing him on his daily walks through our downtown. I meet a lot of people as the manager of a business association, but Larry stood out with a quick smile and friendly conversation. Even if we were discussing challenges in our community, he always expressed positivity. He was a real class act and gentleman. My prayers go out to Larry and his family. Rest in peace, my friend.
- Abel Magana, Oxnard Downtown Management District
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
Thank you Larry, my big Irish brother:

For always being there for me
For your larger than life presence
For your booming voice and infectious laugh
For asking people how they’re doing when you really wanted to know
For being so upbeat, genuine, and real
For being so open and loving
For sharing your huge heart
For your relentless pursuit of joy and embracing life
For your ability to listen with genuine interest
For sharing your incredible spirit
For always being so thoughtful and kind
For always bringing over flowers
For all of the special coins
For never upgrading that cheap ass flip cell phone
For driving me around in your classically used cars
For congratulating me on the Dodgers World Series win
By showing me how to learn and move forward from life’s inevitable setbacks
For always treating everyone with dignity and respect
For making the simple things in life so special
For sharing and spreading your love to anyone and everyone
For all of the almond croissants, great desserts, and strong coffees
All the tears and so damn many laughs

I will be missing you but together we live on.........I know we will be together again.......to share our stories and reminisce on our latest adventures.

Thank you Riles.....for letting us into and sharing your loving world.

All of my love forever,

Pat
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
I am truly sorry to hear of Larry's passing. All the years I had known him being part of the downtown business community he was always the classiest guy. Always greeting folks on the sidewalks. Always wanting to lend good advice. Always having a positive attitude and truly caring about people. Downtown Oxnard lost a little bit of what it made it so special with the passing of Larry. Gary Blum, Site Manager Heritage Square, Member Downtown Oxnard Merchants Association.
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
I have always enjoyed our special friendship and shared memories from the land of the Midnight Sun.
Safe travels to wonderful Larry... the sweet fisherman with a heart bigger than Alaska.
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
https://web.cs.dal.ca/~johnston/poetry/stopclocks.html

' Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone"
   W.H. Auden

My Dear Reilley Family & Friends ,

The loss of Larry is large and weighty, as was his personality : he was foundational marble like a statue for mythical gods .
 
 I would have you ken well how oftentimes he inspired me ... and how well I loved my friend.
___________________

His passing doth 
     it breaks my heart
 Indeed ´twil stop
     the morrow's start .
Tears river , scream ,
      an' now do deafen din
 For Life Lost his ...
        I cannot day begin .

Whene'er I called , I heard ,
  His voice must be
As always steel ,
   His sense of Trust in Thee .

His Faith will always
   Weather Life's rude rusts .
 But a morning without Larry...
    This cannot be just !!!

Thou sent here an angel
             to steal one too soon ?
  Hence , surely didst thieve ,
   For You've stolen a soul
      far , far too precious , I believe .

    Denny McGowan
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
The quality of Uncle Larry's love for his friends and family is unparalleled. When he fixed his ice blue eyes on you, you were the only person in the world. His love and admiration sustained me during some tumultuous times in my youth. I can't understand why he left us so soon, when there was so much left to do together. This is one of those times I have to stop trying to wrap my head around it, and wrap my arms around it.

Travel peacefully, Uncle Larry. Please look out for us. I promise to take care of Kaitlin and Charlie and continue your legacy: take that long drive, go to every wedding, every reunion, every baptism. Say "I love you" at the end of every call. When the choice is "stay or go" always go. Always go.
October 31, 2020
October 31, 2020


Turn Again to Life

"If I should die, and leave you here a while,
Be not like others sore undone,
who keep long vigils by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake, turn again to life, and smile,
Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do
Something to comfort weaker hearts than thine,
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine,
And I, perchance, may therein comfort you!"
Mary Hall

This reminded me so much of Larry and his love, positive approach in every situation.
His smile lit up the room and he made everyone feel special.
I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend together.
I miss you more than I can say. 
Rena Lawley
October 31, 2020
October 31, 2020
My heart is with the Riley family. Larry was a really beautiful person and one of a kind. Just speaking with him you could feel his warmth and kindness pour out. His passing will leave a huge hole, but I pray you are wrapped in his love and happy memories to carry you through. Gob Bless and sending our love to you all oxoxox
October 30, 2020
October 30, 2020
Our condolences to "Larry Love" Family. We have many fond memories of Larry and will forever cherish those times together. RIP buddy and as Larry would say...Love You Man

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Recent Tributes
March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023
Happy Birthday, precious cousin.
I will hold in my thoughts throughout the day with loving memories and feel your shining light.
October 25, 2022
October 25, 2022
Hard to believe that two years have passed. Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. Love and miss you.
Recent stories

Worlds Best God Father

March 10, 2021
Usually you never hear of people having such a close relationship with their god parents but for me that was not the case. Uncle Larry was the best God Father I could have ever asked for. He treated me as if I was his actual daughter. I have saved almost every single letter/card he has sent me over the years because they weren't just for special occasions, sometimes they were for he was just simply thinking of me and wanted me to know how much he loved me. He would also send prayer cards and crosses which I still hold onto. 

My favorite story of him ties together with the picture in the gallery of him as a Christmas elf and me as Santa. I was so excited about the Santa costume that I was saying I wanted to wear it. All the other kids were trying to tell me no because I was a girl and Santa is a boy. I got really upset. Then my Uncle Larry stopped everyone and goes, "If Lele wants to be Santa she will be Santa" and gave me the Santa costume. He then told me, "You can be what ever you want". Ever since then I have cherished everything from him. Even the littlest moment like that has carried into my life today. He always believed in what I was doing and loved to be updated on what was currently going on in my life.

I will cherish every moment I have ever had with Uncle Larry. He was truly a blessing to everyone who ever encountered him. We all have been blessed with such a beautiful guardian angel. I love you and miss you so much Uncle Larry but I know you are watching over me and will forever watch over me. 
November 17, 2020
Larry was a true gem and someone we will miss greatly. His big smile and warm presence always made you feel welcomed. We so enjoyed our time with him while at Dairè and Tara Heneghan’s wedding in Ireland. Your stories and laughter will forever be in our hearts.

Rest easy, Larry.

~ Gabriella Coyne and John Pelloli

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