Obituary of Edward Reilly

     Edward Michael “Rock” Reilly, age 86, of Ryland Heights, KY, passed away on Sunday, October 29 with his loving family by his side.

     He was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. While attending St. X, Rock began a 50-year-long career working for CSX, formerly the L & N Railroad. Throughout his life, Rock was active in sports, including football, softball, bowling, golf and swimming, and he coached both little league and adult teams. Rock earned some notoriety as a player and manager for The Oldtimers, a softball league comprised of former Northern Kentucky all-stars who were as famous for their winning records as they were for drinking beer. He was also a member of the YMCA, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he reveled in his Irish heritage.

     Rock belonged to St. Patrick Catholic Parish in Taylor Mill prior to becoming at parishioner at St. Matthew Church in Morning View. In retirement, Rock enjoyed reading, gardening, feeding the birds and sitting outside on his porch where he would do the daily crossword and catch every UK basketball, Notre Dame football, Cincinnati Reds and Celtics game being broadcast. Passersby would often stop in for a good joke from the master storyteller or might witness him shaking a leg to his favorite tune “Wipeout.” Most importantly, Rock was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

     Rock was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Mary Reilly; brother James Reilly; daughter-in-law Theresa Reilly; and grandson Brian Reilly.

     He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Reilly (nee Keiley); children, Mike (the late Theresa) Reilly; Mary Ann (Theresa) Reilly; Karen Reilly; Teresa (Richard) Sterling; Kathy Reilly; Kevin (Vickey) Reilly; Pat (Shelly) Reilly; Sara (Jamey) Gadzala; grandchildren, Michael Reilly; Erik Reilly; Susan Sterling, Joseph Sterling; Adam Reilly; Blake (Stephen) Benson; Nick Reilly; Jonathan (Casey) Reilly; Elizabeth (Payton) Ponzer, Matthew (Allie) Reilly; Jake Gadzala; Katey Gadzala; and Megan Gadzala; great-grandchildren, Tristan and Tripp Reilly and Caden and Crue Ponzer; brother, Tom Reilly; as well as many other relatives and friends.

     Visitation for Rock will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, Kentucky. A Catholic Blessing will immediately following at funeral home. Burial will then take place at Independence Cemetery.

     A celebration of life will be held immediately following the services at the Firefighter’s Hall, 2232 Howell Street, Covington, Kentucky.

     Memorial donations are suggested to the Ryland Heights Volunteer Fire Department, 10041 Decoursey Pike, Ryland Heights, Kentucky.