Parcourez la nécrologie de William Joseph O’Rielly Saturday November 4th 2023 résidant dans la province T-N pour le détail des funérailles
William Joseph O’Rielly passed away at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the age of 78 years. Predeceased by parents Thomas and Alice (Tobin) O’Rielly, parents in-law Howard and Martha (Turpin) Kelly, brother-in-law Bud Slaney, sister-in-law Betty O’Rielly and nephew Don Carefoot. Born on St. Brendan’s island in 1944, Bill (as he was commonly known) was the 5th of 10 children. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grand-father, friend and volunteer. Bill was a lover of his family, a strong worker, a fierce yet fair competitor, and a curious learner.
Bill married Jacqueline Kelly in 1971 in St. Lawrence, NL and together they had three daughters: Kellie (Dave Mercer), Paula (John Fowler) and Marsha (Paul Pittman). In their 52 years of marriage, Bill and Jackie shared joy and love through faith, family, music, and travel. As a couple, they demonstrated loyalty and strength through times of challenge, illness, and sorrow. Bill had five grandsons of whom he was immensely proud: Matthew, Brendan & Keeran Mercer, Sidney & Graham Pittman. As a father and grandfather, Bill never missed an activity, appointment, concert, performance or especially a sports tournament- often travelling every which way to support his family. “Get your education!” was repeated together with Jackie to their family and that encouraging support has resulted in a dozen (and counting) certificates, degrees, and diplomas. Bill was continually positive with all his family, providing love, support, perspective, guidance and wisdom.
Bill grew up with four brothers: Michael O’Rielly (Joan), Leo O’Rielly (Betty), Les O’Reilly (Joan), and Tom O’Rielly (Rona) and five sisters: Johanna Habjan (Cyril), Helen Carefoot (Ed), Kitty Lewis (Gerard), Laura Gander (Chuck), and Geraldine Cheater (Wade). Bill had 4 siblings in law: Jessie Slaney (Bud), Alice Kelly, Madeline Pike (Lorne), and William Kelly. Bill was generous and witty with his family and friends, always happy to spend time with them, especially with his siblings on St. Brendan’s during the summer. They frequently reminisced about shared childhood experiences of cutting wood, working in the garden, hunting small game, tending animals and fishing which were moments that shaped his family values and work ethic.
Bill worked for everything he ever had. He left his home at the age of 16 and went to St. John’s to attend trade school where he obtained his electrical course. Early skills and interests that he obtained as a boy (fetching water, playing sports and working on small engines) translated to winning championships in the trades race at the Royal St. John’s Regatta in 1963 and 1964. Bill’s longest and strongest sporting passion was softball, pitching for leagues in St. John’s, Baie Verte, St. Lawrence, and Gander- where he set the league record for most consecutive games without walking a batter along with winning most valuable player at the 1977 provincials.
After completing trade school, Bill was offered a position as a lineman with Newfoundland Light and Power where he started off digging holes for poles and finished off as a superintendent. He was employed for 37 years in various communities holding management and supervisory positions where he played a central role in maintaining effective and safe daily operations. Being a first responder at the 1985 Arrow Air Crash was an experience that remained with him for years and his expert ability and clear leadership assisted in that traumatic event. After retirement, Bill worked as a driving, power line safety, and occupational health & safety instructor informing the foundation for hundreds of safe citizens in his curious, kind, funny, and patient style. As a volunteer member in many organizations, Bill was eagerly involved and always contributed ideas and time. Most notably, he was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, serving three terms as Grand Knight along with other provincial and state level positions. For decades, Bill served in multiple church ministries at St. Joseph’s RC Church. Additionally, he was an executive member on St. Joseph’s Parish Council, Gander and Area Co-op, Gander Seniors 50+ club and Progressive Conservative Party. Bill proudly served two terms on the Central Regional Health Board where he demonstrated commitment, compassion, and honesty to support health care in the region.
A man who loved and was loved because he cared for his family, a man of stories who shared his knowledge, a man who asked questions in order to never stop learning, a gentle man who liked to laugh. Bill was humanistic towards all and ended every important call or email by saying: “I love you.”
For those wishing to do so, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Central Northeast Health Foundation or Gander and Area Food Bank.
Saturday November 4th 2023
Décès pour la Ville Gander, Province T-N
avis deces William Joseph O’Rielly Saturday November 4th 2023
nécrologie William Joseph O’Rielly Saturday November 4th 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de William Joseph O’Rielly Saturday November 4th 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.