James Joseph O'Reilly

On Thursday June 8th, 2023, James O’Reilly, loving father and husband passed away peacefully at the age of 79.

James was born on July 26th, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pa to Mary and Charles O’Reilly. He was a dedicated nurse for over 30 years who graduated from St. Joseph’s college and the University of Pennsylvania in 1975 as one of only two male nurses in his entire class. He was never afraid to challenge expectations and go after what he wanted. He shared this bold and brave outlook on life with his Wife Patricia and their son Patrick O’Reilly.

James was the quintessential Stubborn Irish man. There was no arguing with him once he set his mind to something and he was known for his quick wit and an ever present devilish gleam in his eye. This was rivaled only by his passion to help others and fiercely protect and care for his family. James was the neatest hoarder we ever knew, who never threw a single thing away as even a 13 year old donut receipt was sure to come in handy at some point. He was an avid Broadway music lover and spent many memorable nights at the theater with his loving wife Patricia. He always felt a kinship to the naughty and often cantankerous Donald Duck and had an ever growing collection of Donald memorabilia expanding with each Disney World trip they took. James was a Wawa honeybun connoisseur who never missed an Eagles game and made every Christmas truly magical with beautiful decorations every year. Whether James was mildly mocking bad drivers ahead of him in the car or muttering witty quips under his breath His sense of humor and charm made it impossible to not love and laugh with him and encouraged us to take ourselves just a little less seriously.

James was preceded in death by his brother Charles O’Reilly and survived by his wife Patricia, his son Patrick, daughter in-law Autumn, grandchildren- Turner and Gloria, Sisters Barbara O’Reilly and Mary Knapp-O’Reilly and numerous well loved nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 24th, 2023 at 11a.m at Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic Church at 8014 State Rd 52, Hudson, FL 34667 with a Celebration of life to Follow from 12-3pm at his favorite restaurant Chili’s at 9600 US-19, Port Richey, FL 34668.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Moffitt Cancer center foundation at give.moffitt.org/memorial.