1935-2024
Patrick J. Reilly, Sr., age 88 of DuBois, PA died Thursday, August 29, 2024 at his home.
Born on November 11, 1935 in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late James W. and Catherine J. (Jones) Reilly.
On January 16, 1960 he married Donna (Skupien) Reilly at the United States Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejune, NC. They were married for 56 years. She preceded him in death on January 25, 2016.
Patrick attended Greater Gallitzin High School where he played football and baseball. He studied at Penn State University for his undergraduate, California University of Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s, and St. Francis University for his Masters. His post graduate studies were various engineering and management disciplines.
Patrick was in the United States Marine Corps where he moved up ranks from Reserve Infantry Man, to a Commissioned Officer of a Combat Engineer Battalion, to Executive Officer of the 5th Special Infantry Company. He was then promoted to Major. He was a proud veteran.
Patrick worked various engineering positions in his life before becoming owner of Cooper Tire & Auto of DuBois, PA as well as P. J. Reilly Trucking Company, Inc.
Patrick was avidly involved in his community. He was the former President of the DuBois Chamber of Commerce, as well as the YMCA. He led and participated in various fundraising efforts for the DuBois Central Catholic Schools and St. Catherine of Siena Church. He was also the originator and first chairman of the DuBois Area Economic Development Corporation and a participant on the extension of Beaver Drive and the development of the Industrial/Commercial Park.
He is survived by three children: Debra Petak and her husband Joseph, Elizabeth DeWyer and her husband J.R., and P.J. Reilly, Jr. and his wife Bridget. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Tanecha and Sean Reilly, Tara Newhart and her husband Bill, Tessa Petak, Aaron DeWyer, and Natalie Jaggi and her husband Alex.
He was preceded in death by a sister Mary, and a brother John.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 2 -4 and 6 – 8 PM at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10 AM from Holy Spirit Parish at St. Catherine of Siena with Father John Malthaner as celebrant.
Burial will take place in St. Catherine Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.
In recognition of Pat’s service to his community, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in the DuBois Area.
