Jack (John) O'Reilly

Jack (John) O’Reilly, age 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at his residence, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and faith. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, and his passing leaves bereft the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. 

Born to Frank and Dorothy O’Reilly, Jack’s life was one dedicated to family, faith, and community. His devotion to his wife Joyce was unwavering; together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Jack’s greatest joy was in being a family man, and he cherished his role as a father to his six children—Kathy O’Reilly, Michael (Sheila), John (Meg), Kevin (Jill), David (Andrea), and Brian (Julie) O’Reilly. His pride in his 10 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren was immeasurable. Each of them held a special place in his heart, and his attendance at their athletic and musical events was a testament to his boundless support and love. 

Jack was known for his warmth, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. He was never without a smile or a kind word, and he made it a point to ensure that no one was ever a stranger. He had a love for hosting gatherings, whether they were family dinners, parties, or quiet moments with friends. His hospitality was unmatched, and every gathering in his home was filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness. Jack was also an active supporter of his faith, dedicating much of his time and resources to the Church, Catholic education, and charitable causes. 

Professionally, after graduation from St. Charles Borromeo Preparatory School (1952) and the University of Dayton (1957), Jack worked in civil engineering at Stilson & Associates and originated the firm’s early adoption of mainframe computing. Utilizing his IT knowledge, he co-founded Computer Applications Center Inc. (1966), merging later with Compensation Consultants (c. 1985), now a division of Sedgwick. He formed lasting friendships with his colleagues, becoming known for his integrity, work ethic, and the care he took in supporting his work family. Whether at home or in the workplace, Jack’s generosity and kindness were evident to all who crossed his path. 

In his personal time, Jack loved indoor and outdoor home improvement projects (carport in 1960, brick walk in 1974, brick patio in 1976, and the fish pond in the 1990s), and making sure his children stayed busy. He loved following professional and OSU football, the Reds, soccer, and golf, but his greatest joy came from attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and musical performances. He was a proud spectator, always offering encouragement and celebrating their successes. A typical day for Jack involved a cup of coffee with Baileys to start his morning and end his day (with the addition of a chocolate chip cookie), followed by a glass of good red wine in the evening at dinner. He also cherished weekly dinners with his brothers, Pat and Tom, where they shared stories, laughs, and the bond of family. 

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce; his parents, Frank and Dorothy (Quinn) O’Reilly; his brother, Tom O’Reilly; brother-in-law Mike; sister-in-law Geri; and his niece, Mary O’Reilly. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Pat (Bernadette) O’Reilly, sister-in-law Eunice O’Reilly, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 4661 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. A Mass of Christian  Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 22, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 313 N. State Street, Westerville, OH, with visitation at the church starting at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Cincinnati, the Tuition Assistance funds at St. Paul, St. Charles, St.  Brigid of Kildare schools, or St. Brigid SPICE—charitable causes that Jack held close to his heart throughout his life. Jack O’Reilly’s legacy of kindness, love, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as he did throughout his 90 wonderful years. Rest in peace, Jack. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

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