Obituary of Robert Henry Edward Reilly

Robert Henry Edward Reilly (Bob), age 71, of Kingston ON, entered into rest on April 18, 2024, peacefully and surrounded by his family, at Kingston General Hospital, after a brief illness.

Bob was born in Picton Ontario in 1953 to Robert and Eunice Reilly, who have predeceased him (1961, 2014) Bob was well known for his sense of humour and his lifelong entrepreneurship. He loved to sell, starting with worms and newspapers when he was a child, to antiques and bric a brac, what he called his ‘red neck art’,  in his retirement years. Bob retired from a long career ‘on the line’ at Nortel. He chose this work at the urging of the love of his life, Barbara Maracle, who predeceased him in 2016. Prior to Nortel, Bob worked as a brakeman for CP Rail, which he left in order to live in one place so that he could marry and raise a family.

Bob leaves behind a loving legacy amidst his children, Tracey and Robbie (Natalie), his grandchildren Alexa, Renee, Genevieve, Alexander, and Evelyn. He is survived by 3 siblings, Grace Broad (Barry), Cecelia Reilly (John) and Douglas Jolley, and is predeceased by his brother Alec (1987). His many nieces and nephews will miss him greatly, as Uncle Bob was always one to keep them laughing with his many stories and comical ways.

Bob met the love of his life, Barbara Maracle of Wellington ON, and, excited to start their lives together, they married at Wellington Pentecostal Church in 1972. They first lived in Amherstview, then made a life in Kingston, where they had 2 children, Tracey and Robbie. Bob and Barb’s children meant the world to them both, and they were beyond grateful when grandchildren came along. Bob’s new role as a grandfather became his favourite. He spoke frequently of his grandchildren and lived for time spent with them.

 Bob loved to go fishing in Tyendinaga with his new extended family since, as a boy who grew up in Wellington, on Lake Ontario, catching pike, pickerel, walleye, eels, and any other fish, was second nature. He used to chase his eldest sister around the house with those eels!

Learning to swim off the old dock, selling cotton candy at the school Donkey Baseball Tournament, playing hockey and baseball, double helpings of turkey at Christmas, Barb’s butter tarts, time spent in pool halls; these were the things that nurtured Bob and gave him a zest for life.

Bob will always be remembered for his deep devotion to his wife Barb during her own illness and passing. He will be remembered for his love of his family and friends, his sense of humour, and his catchphrases. ‘Top of the mornin’ to ya’.

We couldn’t have asked for a better father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend and will miss him every day.

Service arrangements will be shared in the future.