John Jeremiah O’Reilly

PORTLAND – John Jeremiah O’Reilly, 53, of Arundel, Maine, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, at Maine Medical Center, after a courageous battle against brain cancer. His sister, Adair, her husband, Jim, and others were by his side.John grew up in Concord, N.H., and was the son of John and Barbara O’Reilly. He graduated from Bishop Brady High School and the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in communications. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Barbara; by his older siblings, Heather O’Reilly and Robin O’Reilly Greenan; and by his aunt, Kathleen Dane and his beloved finance, Ruthie. He is survived by his sister, Adair Kathleen O’Reilly and her husband, James Quincy of Arundel, Maine.John was devoted to his family. He spent many years caring for his mother who had Parkinsons, two of his sisters who had M.S., and his aunt, who had emphysema.In June 2018, John was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor, at that time, they said he would only last for two weeks. By surviving as long as he did, John leaves a legacy of fighting against all odds. Regardless of how he felt, John was known by the staff to never complain; he was always polite and thanked everyone. His graciousness filled the room. John had an infectious way with people. He loved meeting new people and listening to their stories. He was a story teller who could make people cry with laughter with his voices, characters and impersonations. He was a born humorist. John enjoyed following the Boston Celtics and Red Sox and the New England Patriots. His passion was writing and traveling especially to Grateful Dead concerts around the country with his friend Jay. At the time of his passing, John and his sister, Adair, were working on a children’s book.We love you Johnny, you are our hero. The world is darker without your voice.“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting John’s online guestbook at www.jonesrichandbarnes.comRelatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, from 4-7 p.m., at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home. Prayers will be recited on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2019, at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church. A committal will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in Manchester, New Hampshire. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, Maine, 04103. 775-3763.