Rev. Denis Daniel Reilly OP Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Members of the Western Dominican Province and their friends were deeply saddened by the death of Fr. Denis Reilly on July 19. Fr. Denis (Daniel Harry, Jr.) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 15, 1944, to Daniel and Zella DeVillier Reilly. The Reilly family came to California shortly after Denis’ birth, and he spent his childhood in Pleasant Hill. He graduated from St. Elizabeth High School, in Berkeley, and studied two years at Saint Mary’s College, where he was President of the Young Republicans. He entered the Dominican novitiate in 1964. Candidates for the novitiate are required to reply to a series of questions, and one asks, “Why do you wish to be a religious?” Denis answered, “Considering my capabilities, I feel that I will be a better priest as a religious; therefore, I will be able to serve God better.” Few would question Fr. Denis’ service of God, and those privileged to live with Denis will laud his determination to care for the well-being of his community members. The Dominican residence in Salt Lake City is a tribute to this dedication, and St. Albert Priory, the Dominican House of Studies in Oakland, California, underwent significant improvements when he served (twice) as the community’s Prior. Fr. Denis was assigned to Dominican communities and ministries – often as pastor and superior – throughout the Western Province. He felt honored to be elected to the Council of the Province a number of times, and fulfilled his duties, which were occasionally somewhat challenging, with immense patience and good will. As age took its toll, and Fr. Denis grew weaker, he embraced a quieter and more reflective life – with the Dominican community in Los Angeles, and then at Merrill Gardens in Oakland. Even in retirement, however, Fr. Denis maintained contact – and regularly communicated – with those who had shared his years of active ministry. Western Dominicans gathered for a Province Assembly at St. Albert’s toward the end of June, and Fr. Denis was an active participant in the days’ activities until he suffered a fall. He returned to Merrill Gardens and was later hospitalized. The Dominican community saw a sign of hope when Fr. Denis returned to Merrill Gardens, but the lingering effects of pneumonia and various weaknesses proved too powerful to overcome. Western Dominicans, The Dominican friars will gather for a Prayer Vigil at St. Albert Priory on Tuesday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. The community hopes Fr. Denis’ friends will join them for the service – and for the Funeral Mass, which will take place at St. Albert’s the following day, July 27, at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Denis’ burial will follow, at the Dominican cemetery, in Benicia. A memorial scholarship fund has been established to honor Fr. Denis. Gifts will be used to support the education of the Fr. Denis’ Dominican students brothers still in formation Fr. Denis served so faithfully. Gifts may be sent to the Western Dominican Province, 5877 Birch Court, Oakland, California, 94618.Please donate online at www.opwest.org/frdenisreilly. May the soul of Fr. Denis and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace

Rev. Denis Daniel Reilly OP

August 18, 1944 - July 19, 2020