John Joseph O'Reilly

John Joseph O’Reilly, 84 of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 20, 2017.

He was born and spent his childhood in Atlantic City, NJ, son of the late Edward and Anna O’Reilly. He is preceded in death by his son, Kevin J. O’Reilly; and his sister, Marie Williamson.

John graduated from Salesianum High School in 1951 and proudly served in the US Navy Reserve and then enlisted with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

John and his wife, Eleanor, founded Shamrock Printing Company in 1972. Thanks to the work ethic passed on to his children, Shamrock Printing Company remains in business today, over 45 years later.

John was a true Irishman who enjoyed trips to the beach, fishing, travel, happy hours, listening to Frank Sinatra, and above all else, spending time with his family at their summer home in Avalon, NJ.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Nenstiehl); his children, Michael, of Hockessin, Kathy Sumner, of Hockessin, and David (Marlene), of Lincoln University, PA; his 9 grandchildren, Kelli, Danny, Brock, Kourtney, Kaitlin, Owen, Megan, Alicia and Sean; his great-grandchildren, Jake, Vinnie and Catrine; his sister, Shirley Tobin; and his brother-in-law, Howard Williamson.

John’s family would like to thank everyone who helped during his illness, especially the nurses and caregivers from Heartland Hospice and Age Advantage.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, August 26, 2017 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

“Semper Fi”

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