John Joseph Reilly, III

John Joseph “JJ” Reilly, III, 83, passed away September 12, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield on July 18, 1941 to the late Bertha (Stec) and John J. Reilly, Jr., he grew up in Chicopee and was a graduate of Chicopee High School. For the past 28 years, he was a resident of Ludlow where he resided with the love of his life, best friend and soulmate, Charlotte.

His distinguished 39-year career with the Springfield Fire Department culminated in his retirement with the honor of Badge #1. Following his retirement, John continued his service as Treasurer for the Retired Springfield Police and Fire Association. John served in the United States Army during the Korean War. An avid fan of soccer and hockey, he proudly held season tickets for the Springfield Thunderbirds for many years. John found immense joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and cherished his travels to Maine. He was an avid reader, especially of WWII history. John and his wife shared many memorable Saturday nights, often enjoying dinner out together. His warm presence and unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He leaves his wife of 24 years, Charlotte Moreau; his children, Maureen Russell and her husband Michael of Wilbraham, Michael Reilly of San Francisco, CA, Megan  Reilly of Chicopee, and Andrew  Reilly and his fiancé Mariah Bishop of Chicopee; his step-children, Adam Moreau and his wife Kelly of Monson and Shelley McAvoy and her husband Geoff of Ludlow; a daughter-in-law, Deborah Reilly of Brimfield; his grandchildren: John Reilly V, Michael Russell, Katherine Russell, Alyssa Russell, Tayah Stone, Aidan Stone, Liam Reid, Madelyn Moreau, Benjamin Moreau, Collin McAvoy, and Cooper McAvoy; a sister-in-law Delores Reilly, along with several nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents; a son, John J. Reilly IV, a daughter, Erin Reilly, and a brother, Walter Reilly.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9-11am at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd., Springfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Services will conclude with military honors being rendered. Arrangements are entrusted to Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services.

The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and staff at Baystate MICU 4th floor for the compassionate care given to John during the last week of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at www.t2t.org. To offer online condolences, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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