John I. Reilly III passed away on July 12, 2012 after a long illness. He was born in Tucson, Arizona on December 30, 1938. John attended high school at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he met his beloved wife. He was later awarded a Masters in Public Administration from California State University Hayward. John is survived by his wife of 51 years Jeanne and children: Mary, Brenda (Vincent), Rita (John), John (Ingrid), Joe (Lacie) and Peggy (Niels). John is also survived by his sister Marybeth Sheeley (Neil), nine grandchildren: Ann, Thomas, Michael, Vincent, Daniel, Dominica, Maryfrances, Jack and Peter and one great grandchild Alice. He is preceded in death by his father John, his mother Helen and his son-in-law Neil (Mary). John served as an officer in the United States Army for two years. He then worked 31 years for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He devoted many years to volunteering at his local parish. John especially enjoyed teaching classes to adults converting to Catholicism. He enjoyed reading, classic films, old radio shows, classical music and spending time with his family and friends. He was known for his sense of humor and good-natured mischief. In his final years, John was blessed with terrific caregivers, Elvia Landaverde and Linda Bruce. Family and friends are invited to attend the vigil and funeral services. Arrangements are being handled through Pittsburg Funeral Chapel.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 4:00pm with a vigil service at 7:00pm. Funeral liturgy Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 10:00 am. All services will be held at St. Ignatius of Antioch at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch. Committal services following at Queen of Heaven Cemetery at 1965 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette. Reception and celebration will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the St. Ignatius Building Campaign or the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.