Fr. Denis Reilly, OP

Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

Fr. Denis D. Reilly, OP

August 15, 1944 ~ July 19, 2022

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) 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 served at the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Utah from 1998-2005, and from 2009-2018 at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Midvale and St. John the Baptist Parish in Draper.

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.

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 fund has been established to honor Fr. Denis. Gifts will support the education of Fr. Denis' Dominican brothers still in formation. Please donate online at www.opwest.org/frdenisreilly.