Thomas M Reilly

MIDDLETON - Tom Reilly, 74, after enduring a two year ordeal with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's, fought free on Sunday, December 14, 2025, watched over by his wife, Lisa. After spending the night talking and reading to him, and playing the Irish music he enjoyed, Lisa closed her eyes “for a minute.” Tom took this opportunity to depart quietly to his well-deserved rest.

Thomas Martin Reilly was born on February 17, 1951, in New Bedford, Mass., but grew up in Warwick, R.I., with his parents, Louis and Evelyn Reilly, and his older brother, John.

After high school, Tom decided willingly to give up the relatively temperate winters and Atlantic Ocean of Rhode Island and move to Wisconsin to attend UW-Madison. Not dissuaded by the cold winters and finding the lakes an agreeable substitute, Tom stayed, studying history, archaeology, archival administration, and business, acquiring a BA, MLS, and an MBA. He worked on two excavations in Ireland as part of his archaeological studies, beginning his lifelong interest in Ireland's history and culture.

Fortunately, as it turned out, Tom was unable to find work in his fields of study. He took a seasonal position with American Girl (then Pleasant Company) and met Lisa Maggio. They married soon thereafter, in June of 1993, beginning their life together with Tom's daughter Nyssa. They continued to work at American Girl until they retired in 2015.

Tom and Lisa went to Ireland for their honeymoon, the first of 10 trips there. The last was in 2018, for their 25th anniversary. They also took trips to England, the Rockies, the East coast, and Door County.

Apart from travel, Tom had many interests. He collected model trains and modeling kits, and enjoyed playing the tabletop war and baseball games he'd been collecting since high school. Tom also enjoyed going for walks in the Arboretum and in state parks. While not a gardener himself, Tom gamely participated when, to the dismay of the neighbors, Lisa had the front yard tilled and planted a garden. Tom learned about plants while Lisa learned about trains.

Their house was filled with books, and they enjoyed reading parts of their current books to each other. Tom's broad reading included American and European history, focusing on World War II, Irish history and archaeology, as well as science and natural history. Tom also enjoyed fiction, a favorite series being Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, hilarious bits of which were particularly prone to being shared.

Tom loved his cats. When they married, Lisa's cat, Harry, became best friends with both Tom and Nyssa. Later, Tom enjoyed cuddling with and watching the antics of Seamus and Max, the bestest kitty buddies ever. Recently, he was pleased to have Angus and Fergus sleep on his chest, occasionally both at once.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his good friend, Wynn Wacker. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; and daughter, Nyssa Reilly; as well as his brother, John Reilly; sister and brother-in-law, Frances Maggio and Roger Reeves; nieces, Caroline Reilly and Bridget Kelley, and nephew, Lee Reeves; as well as grand-niece, Athena, and grand-nephew, Nathan.

Lisa would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for their help and kindness in the last stages of Tom's illness. No services are planned, but for those who would care to, a gift to Agrace would be an appreciated memorial to Tom.

Tom was a sweet, kind, and gentle person, who is greatly missed.

Go dtí go mbuailfimid le chéile arís, a ghrá mo chroí.

Until we meet again, love of my heart.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761