Michael Charles O'Reilly Obituary (1955 - 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.