Bernard "Barney" Joseph Reilly

Bernard "Barney" Joseph Reilly

September 07, 1929 - December 29, 2024

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Obituary

MONONA - Bernard “Barney” Joseph Reilly, age 95, of Monona, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on September 7, 1929, in Madison, the son of Bernard and Mabel (Helland) Reilly.


Barney attended school in Madison before serving in the U.S. Army. He worked in many careers over the years including being a Madison Firefighter but most recently, worked as the Zoning Administrator for the City of Madison, retiring in 1984. He also built many homes with his brother, George, and brother-in-law, John Slaght.


Barney loved square dancing and ballroom dancing. He was involved with many dance clubs where he met his life partner, Phyllis. He taught himself to play the organ and accordion. He enjoyed taking his family camping when they were younger and loved spending time boating on the Madison lakes with his family and friends. Later, he was able to travel extensively with Phyllis and many of his brothers and sisters, including trips abroad.


Barney is survived by his children, Mark (Kathryn) Reilly, Dianne Turner, Steven (Brenda) Reilly, Jeanne (John) Whitley, Michael (Fern) Reilly, Daniel (Delany) Reilly and Colleen (Scott) Maier; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; life partner for over 30 years, Phyllis Carney and her family; and sisters, Joanne (Donald) Levinski and Janet Kleiboer. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Mabel; sisters, Marian Voss, Rosemary Slaght and Kathleen Carlson; brothers, George Reilly, James FitzGibbon and Robert FitzGibbon; and grandson, Ryan Schlicht.


A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with Father William Nolan presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A private burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens.
 

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


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

18
Visitation
Sat Jan 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
18
Funeral Service
Sat Jan 18, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Bernard "Barney"
A
Anonymous
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
PK
Pat Kreitzman
Other •
I am Pat (Stark) Kreitzman and Barney hired me as his zoning secretary in 1974 for the City of Madison. I worked with him for about 3 years but stayed in the Building Inspection Department until I retired in 2008. He was a wonderful man to work for and also to know as a friend. My condolences to the family upon his passing.
DT
Dianne Trautt
Other •
Paul and Dianne Trautt wish to send our sincere sympathy upon learning of Barney’s passing. Phyllis is my aunt and we have known Barney for many years. He was always very gracious and kind. We visited both of them whenever we were in Wisconsin. Our prayers go out to all the families.
BE
Barbara Emmerich
Other •
So sorry for you loss Phyllis. I have fond memories of playing volleyball at Crestwood with Barney and George. They may have been 25 yr. older than me but they were very athletic and could move around the court with great agility. We enjoyed getting to know you and Barney. Take care. May Barney now rest in peace and rejoin his side kick George in their eternal rest.
CL
Colleen Vander Linden
Other •
We are offering our love & support to Phyllis & every member of Mr. Reilly's family. Mr. Reilly will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our beloved parents, Francis & Rosie McMahan, shared a friendship with "Barney" & Phyllis for as long as our family can recall. It is our understanding that as young boys, Dad & Mr. Reilly were initially neighbors which began a friendship spanning more than eight decades. Many stories were shared by Dad about the fun experiences he & Mr. Reilly shared, especially during their years in high school. Several years after high school, Mr. Reilly helped our parents with an occasional apartment renovation or repair project, which was greatly appreciated. At that time, he had many carpenter skills, a keen mind, & quick wit. Those traits resulted in many funny comments being directed at Dad, who responded with an Irish wit of his own. Though in person visits became less frequent with the passing of time, Dad & Mr. Reilly continued their friendship through numerous phone conversations. They truly cared about one another & each others' families. Mr. Reilly's jovial, positive manner & true friendship will always be remembered by our family. Rest in peace, Mr. Reilly!

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