Sadly, I read of the passing of Fr. John Reilly, S.J. The death notice stated that he died while in residence at the facility in Columbiere, Michigan, a retirement home for Jesuits of the Chicago Province. At this point in my life, many of my former Jesuit friends and colleagues reside there.
Father’s passing is one more emotional loss for us “old-timers”. You are no doubt aware of the passing of Jim Connelly and the physical problems of Frank Raispis. There are others of my generation of Ignatius personnel who have been dealing with serious health issues, but that’s not for me to disclose.
Father Reilly was an integral part of my early years at Ignatius. I started teaching in 1961, and Father Reilly was teaching English. In the fall of '63, he became assistant principal. In 1967, Fr. Reilly was made principal, and in 1971, he started a four year stint as president. This was a very difficult period in the history of Saint Ignatius. The number of Jesuits was in decline, creating the need for an increase in the number of laymen, and, thus causing the tuition to jump dramatically. That, in turn, caused a decrease in the size of the student body. There were times when future of the school was in doubt. This was the challenge that was laid at Fr. Reilly’s feet as he became president.
For those who never knew Fr. Reilly, he was a very tall man...I'd say 6'5'' or better. I have to admit that I never knew him very well on a personal level. The Jesuits and the laymen had a good working relationship, but it should go without saying that laymen and Jesuits lead very different lives. Laymen went home to their families; Jesuits, priests, brothers and scholastics, lived at the school, ate with one another and shared the events of the day with one another.
Father Reilly was also a man of great passions in an "O'Mara-esque" fashion. He might have a very angry response to a request, but, after an initial reaction, he would discuss the idea calmly and logically, looking for a way to fulfill the request in a viable manner. Pat O’Mara could "rip you apart" with a word or look, but with “Big John”, it looked like that might not be a euphemism. When Father got mad, your best chance was to not make eye-contact, turn quietly an walk away...quickly.
The fact is, though, he was a man of great kindness and empathy. I am aware of at least one instance when, he was confronted by a teacher that he expel a student for an egregious action, Father talked to the student, and discovered the underlying cause of his actions. Because of the sensitive nature of the cause, Father was not free to explain his “non-action“, much to the dismay and anger of the teacher. Such was the depth of his courage and compassion.
I was moved by the dedication of the 1975 Prep, the yearbook. At the risk of violating copyright laws, a portion of it reads:
“Since Fr. Reilly is a graduate of the class of ’46, he is the only person in the history of St. Ignatius to come up the ranks...from student to President.
As Fr. Reilly moves on to Loyola University he will always be a part of Ignatius. He will be remembered for his years of dedication and service. He is a gentleman. He believes in Ignatius.
This then is John Reilly’s book because Ignatius is John Reilly’s school.”
God bless you, Father Reilly. Rest in peace.
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