William P. Reilly

PAXTON – William Paul Reilly, 60, of Paxton died peacefully on Thursday, October 5, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his family. Bill was one of four sons of Richard T. and Gertrude (Dunn) Reilly. He was born and raised in Worcester and in 1985 moved to Paxton. Bill graduated from Burncoat Senior High School in 1974 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Westfield State College in 1979. Upon graduation, Bill worked as a physical education teacher at the Nazareth Home for Boys where he enjoyed serving as a role model and mentor to at-risk youths. For a short time, Bill worked as a Tax Auditor at the MA Department of Revenue before returning to his passion: positively influencing the lives of youths. At the age of 30, Bill began a 10-year career with the Department of Social Services. During this time, he held several different titles and positively impacted countless children and their families. A continuous learner, Bill enrolled in Anna Maria College at the age of 41, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. In 1994, he joined the Paxton Police Department (PPD) as a part-time officer, and became a full time officer at the age of 40 in 1996. Bill served on the PPD with honor and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before he retired, after 15 years of service, in 2009. After his retirement, Bill returned to education, and served as a professor at Anna Maria College, then as a job coach with the Wachusett Regional High School Special Education Department. A lover of sports and supporter of his family, Bill coached the basketball teams of his two sons at Paxton Center School to several winning seasons. He was proud of his sons and all of their accomplishments on and off the basketball court. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Christine M. (Schavone) Reilly; his two sons, Michael Reilly and his wife, Theresa of Spencer and Kevin Reilly and his partner, Alayna of Milford; three brothers, Richard Reilly and his wife, Kathleen of Connecticut, Robert Reilly and his wife, Sylvia of Bradenton, Florida and James Reilly and his wife, Christine of Shrewsbury; his adored two grandchildren, Rose and Jack Reilly, as well as several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with William’s family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11 at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Wachusett Regional High School, Attn: Life Skills Experience Club, 1401 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520 or to Cops for Kids with Cancer, Attn: Deputy Chief Rafferty, c/o Canton Police Department, 1492 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page.