Michael Charles O'Reilly

January 15, 1955 ~ March 14, 2012
SOUTH PORTLAND - Michael C. O'Reilly, 57, of Pilgrim Road died on March 14, 2012 at the Springbrook Center in Westbrook, following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Michael was born at the Loring Air Force Base Limestone, Maine on January 15, 1955, the son of Charles W. and Norma T. McGlinn O'Reilly, US Navy (Ret). He graduated from First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, VA. An honor student throughout, he was awarded the Student Athlete of the Year Award for the entire city his senior year. Following high school, Michael was awarded a football scholarship to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He later transferred and graduated from Guilford College in Greenesboro, NC, where he graduated with a degree in Business. Michael worked for a short time as an accountant for an appliance importing company. He later started up and owned and operated his own appliance business for several years until he was forced to step down as a result of brain cancer surgery. Upon his recovery, he accepted a job as an accountant with the United States Government, a position he held for ten years until once again, illness forced him to retire early. Michael was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying any and all sporting events. Even during his illness, he played on a local softball league in Norfolk, VA. Upon his return to Maine, he enjoyed boating on Casco Bay, fishing with his dad, and the trips to Cliff Island to hang out with his many relatives. His greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends. Michael's family commented that even through his illness he never lost his sense of humor. Michael is survived by his parents Charles and Norma O'Reilly of South Portland; three sisters, Colleen M. O'Reilly of MA; Patricia A. and her husband Timothy Zandes of NY; Erin T. O'Reilly of CA; a brother, John V. and his wife Donna O'Reilly of Virginia Beach; six nieces and nephews, Tiffany, Steve, John, Nicholas, Reilly and Mitchell, along with many cousins. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel 1024 Broadway, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., at the chapel with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Henchal Officiating. Burial will follow in Forest City Cemetery, South Portland. Those who wish may make contributions in Michael's memory to the Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, ME 04106.Online condolences may be expressed below.
To Chuck and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
– Andrea Merrifield
Mike was such a great guy. I know you are going to miss him terribly. I really loved him and my heart goes out to all of you. Love Amy
– Amy McGlinn
Chuck and Norma, so sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Remember the good times, the pictures, the memories, and let God give you peace during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you, John and Kim McGlinn
– John and Kim McGlinn
May your wonderful memories of Mike grant you peace in the days to come. I remember Mike’s love for the music of the band The Eagles. It meant alot to me that Mike was in NC to see us when my daughter was born. Rest in peace Mike. Love, Mary Sochacki
– Mary Pendergrass Sochacki
Dear Oreilly family..My condolences and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.
– Beth Gray-Kosloski
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I ran into Tom Duckett who told me about his passing. I thought about him a lot over the years and hoped he was doing well. We went through a lot together. I loved him very much at one time. God bless you all.
– Jennifer (O’Reilly) Speight
We are so sorry to hear that Michael has passed away. What we are feeling right now is too hard to put into words. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. With sincere sympathy.
– Ed & Bobbie Nagle
Chuck, Norma, Erin, Colleen, Patty and John- We’re so sorry for your loss. Mike was truly a survivor. The support he received from all of you was truly his life line. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time…may you all find comfort in knowing what a true gift you had with Mike’s presence. He was a remarkable man. Our love, Carol, Ian and Re
– Carol, Ian and Re