Father O’Reilly was born in Chicago, the second of seven children. He attended St. John Cathedral School and Marquette Academy in Milwaukee. He attended St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and was ordained to the priesthood on October 28, 1920.

For over thirty-five years, from September 1932 to June 1968, Monsignor O’Reilly served as pastor of St. Thomas Catholic Church. When he retired in 1968 at age seventy-four, his pastorate had been the longest in parish history. These were years of change for his parish and for Catholic education in Beloit.

Known as a man of action, Fr. O’Reilly touched Beloit citizens from all walks of life with his warmth, compassion and his irrepressible Irish wit and humor. Though elevated in 1960 to the rank of Monsignor by Pope John XXIII, Fr. O’Reilly revealed his humbleness by saying he preferred the title “Father.”

Fr. O’Reilly’s fine qualities are probably best remembered for his key role in three major events for the city of Beloit and the Catholic community: the building of St. Thomas School at 1221 Henry Avenue in 1949-50, the consolidation with St. Jude Parish to form Beloit Catholic High School in 1953, and the construction in 1965 of St. Thomas the Apostle Grade School on Bushnell Street.

Fr. O’Reilly regarded St. Thomas as a Church of special significance because it was Beloit’s pioneer church and parish, which he guided to meet the initial challenges of Vatican II. Complemented as “a priest’s priest” by many of his associate pastors here, Fr. O’Reilly’s perseverance helped bring about the reality of St. Thomas parish school, which had been planned since about 1915.

In 1946, when the popular pastor celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination, men of the parish raised over $28,000 for Father O’Reilly Memorial Convent. The school was soon built. However, with the designation of Beloit Catholic School, the building became overcrowded and St. Thomas was forced to plan a new school at a new site.

Fr. O’Reilly negotiated with the city for the purchase of the ninety-year-old Strong School, and the parish built the modern structure on that property. Parishioners wanted to name the new school in honor of Fr. O’Reilly, but he humbly insisted that it be named in honor of his and the parish’s patron saint. It was called “St. Thomas the Apostle Grade School.”

Fr. O’Reilly was known as a friend of those in high places, as well as friend to the man on the street. Many citizens will recall his fast-paced walks around town. He often reflected that he had “lived the life of Riley” while in Beloit.

He was an active member of Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights and was named an “Outstanding Beloiter” by the Beloit Daily News in 1967. Prior to World War II, he was active in the Army Reserve, serving as Chaplain in Beloit’s Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association, holding the rank of First Lieutenant.

In retirement, he was pastor at a mission parish in Interlochen, Florida, maintaining his usual fast pace. He died at the age of 89 on May 31, 1983, at Nazareth House, Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Fr. O’Reilly will be remembered as a great pastor and an asset to Beloit community life. His priesthood was dedicated to the greatest honor and glory of God.