Reilly, James M.

Description

James M. Reilly was born to Hugh and Bridget Gorman Reilly in Rye on June 30, 1919. He had one older brother Thomas. In Rye his family lived at 68 Purchase St. and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. James attended public schools in Rye and was an outstanding athlete at Rye High School and was a graduate, Class of 1938.

James enlisted and served in the U.S. Army. During World WarII he served as a staff sergeant the 27th Tank Battalion in Europe

The 20th Armored Division’s , 27th Tank Battalion, was attached to the 42nd Infantry Division on 23 April 1945 and led the attack to capture the town of Donauworth on the 25th to secure the crossing of the Danube River. The success of the operation prompted this quote from Lt. Col. Donald E. Downard, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Infantry (42nd Infantry Division) who had witnessed more than 25 months of combat, “I have never seen a more aggresive armored unit.”

After the war, James worked for the Rye Police Department for 21 years before retiring in 1973. He was a recpient of the Macy Police Honor Award. James belonged to the Rye Police Association, the New York State Federation of Police and the United Federation of Police Inc.

“Sgt Reilly was a good cop who was always ready to help youngsters, especially those involved in Little League” said Rye Patrolman Gus Botticelli who worked with James for 15 years.

James served as manager of the Babe Ruth Little League in Rye during the 1960’s He also bowled and played softball “He was the best softball player in Rye” Botticelli said. James belonged to the Port Chester Old-Timers Athletic Association.

James was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Rye Memorial Post 7550. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Miton Point Engine and Hose Co. in Rye for over 25 years and he was parishioner of the Church of the Resurrection.

James M. Reilly a retired Rye police sergeant and lifelong Rye rseident died Tuesday May 21, 1985 at United Hospital in Port Chester after long illness.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife Arline Manning Reilly of Rye, a son Raymond H of Port Chester, a daughter Maryann F Ciccarelli of Bellevue Wash. and two grandchildren.

IN SERVICE FROM DECEMBER 1943 TO MARCH 1946. AS A STAFF SERGEANT HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 27TH TANK BATTALION IN THE CENTRAL EUROPE THEATER OF OPERATIONS FROM FEBRUARY 1945 TO AUGUST 1945.