Michael J. Reilly

Michael J. Reilly, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away on March 2, 2026 after a long illness.

He was born on June 15, 1946 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to William and Dorothy Reilly. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1963 and attended Berkshire Community College. He married the love of his life, Caryl, and moved to Hamden, CT, where they raised their family. He owned and operated Reilly’s Adjusting Services until his retirement in 2020. His love for his community and the game of baseball led him to the volunteer position of President of Hamden Fathers Baseball and Softball for over 40 years. During that time he developed and expanded not only baseball for boys in Hamden, but grew the softball program, allowing girls to play from pre-k through high school. He was a member of the Elks Club Lodge in Hamden. He enjoyed playing cards with friends every Monday as well as time spent at casinos. His love of sad songs, huge Christmas trees, and drinking Bud Lights while laughing with friends and family will always be remembered.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Caryl Reilly; six children, Kimberly (Carl) Sargolini, Karrie Reilly Sadler, Kathryn Reilly, Michael Reilly, William (Emily) Reilly and Kassie Reilly; nine grandchildren, Mackenzie, Reilly, Kellen and Delaney Sargolini, Jack, Ethan and James Reilly, Tessa Reilly, and Alexys Reilly Martin; along with many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Reilly; brothers, William and Edward Reilly; son-in-law, Robert Martin, and beloved sister, Mary Ellen Reilly.

Friends are invited to visit with Michael’s family from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6th at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, St. Paul VI Parish, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. For information or to send a condolence, please see his obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.