John Maurice Reilly Sr., 96, of New Harbor, passed away on the evening of March, 10th 2018. Born on January 8, 1922, John was the son of William and Margaret (Sweeney) Reilly. He graduated from Bristol High School and especially enjoyed playing baseball during his school years.

John married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn (Chadwick) Reilly, and had four children. They celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary together on December 24, 2016.

John was a WWII Veteran, and a survivor of the battles on the beaches of Normandy. Before the war, he and Marilyn lived in Hartford, CT, during which he worked for Pratt & Whitney. He also worked at Bath Iron Works for a time. After the war, he returned home to Bristol, and with the help of his father-in-law, built the family home. He and Marilyn also built and worked on their farm (selling eggs and strawberries), while raising their children. In 1972, John started the J.M. Reilly & Son Well Drilling business with his son and son-in-law.

After retirement, he and Marilyn were snowbirds, traveling more than 30 years in their camper to Florida, where they made many friends. On occasion, they would travel to other areas, taking their camper across the U.S. and into Mexico.

In recent years, he and Marilyn returned to living in Maine full time, and enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn Chadwick; son, John Reilly, Jr; and four siblings.

Survivors include his loving children, Rosemary Kelsey and husband, Paul, Sr. of Walpole, Jean McGinn and husband Michael of North Yarmouth, Eileen Reilly and husband (predeceased) Bill Fieweger of Searsport, and John Reilly, Jr's widow, Carol Reilly of New Harbor; grandchildren, Paul A. Kelsey, Jr. and wife Heidi of Bristol, Alison Kelsey-Bryant of Walpole, Juliet Kelsey-Holmes and husband Justin of Hallowell, Sarah Murphy and husband Eric of Bucksport; and great-grandchildren, Abby, Lucas, Helaena, Emily, Graeff, Brandon, Elias, Aidan, Grace, and Liam.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.