Harold Giles Reilly

Harold Giles Reilly, 86, passed away at his home in Fallbrook, Calif. on Nov. 1, 2012. He was born Dec. 30, 1925 in Richmond Hill, N.Y. to Frances and Harold J. Reilly and later attended St. John’s University in N.Y.

He was a retired L.A.P.D. motor officer who also worked as a N.Y.C. fireman and owned a small business in Orange County, Calif. for 20 years. Harold served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the Army’s Air Corps and fought for our freedom in both WWII and the Korean War.

Harold was a member of the Fallbrook Garden Club and the Italian American Club of Escondido as well as a former member of the Elk Club. He also greatly enjoyed carpentry, sailing, gardening, motorcycles, photography, and was a master class ham radio operator. Those who knew and loved Harold describe him as having a very dry wit and also as a masterful, dependable, loving, fearless man of conviction and integrity who was fiercely protective.

Harold is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Reilly of Fallbrook, Calif.; sons, Sean Reilly of Long Beach, Calif., Daniel Reilly (Elizabeth) of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Patrick Reilly of Glendale, Calif.; daughter, Erin Sedlewicz (Peter) of Ladera Ranch, Calif.; grandchildren, Cadin Sedlewicz and Colin and Donovan Reilly; sisters Collette Flanigan of Manahawken, N.J., Maureen Serrone (John) of Flemington, N.J., and Ursula (Paul) Ryan of Seminole, Fla.; and brother, Frank (Cookie) Reilly of Lake Grove, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Harold J. Reilly.

A shelter service was held at Miramar National Cemetery on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Donations in Harold’s name may be made to the Salvation Army.