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

Bernard "Barney" Joseph Reilly

September 07, 1929 - December 29, 2024

Share photos of Bernard "Barney"