Daniel O’Reilly passed away peacefully at home on Saturday March 11, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He was attended to by his wife of 43 years, Susan, his daughter, Patricia and the wonderful personnel of Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Daniel was born in the Bronx, N.Y. on July 30, 1943 to Joseph O’Reilly and Margaret Foy. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by Brothers Joseph, Thomas, and son Daniel.

Daniel proudly served 4 years in the U.S. Navy as an electrician on three ships, and besides stateside service, spent 6 months in Naples, Italy. After his duty, he worked for Consolidated Edison of New York for a time and then joined the New York City Police Department. The years of service there and the Navy furnished many lively tales which he enjoyed relating to friends and acquaintances.

After retirement he worked in Real Estate in Newburgh, N.Y. This gave him the opportunity to put his “jack of all trades” talents to good use. He bought and remodeled several homes and apartments and was always most happiest “getting dirty” as he put it! Previously, before leaving NYC, he had been responsible for maintaining several multi-family apartment buildings where he honed his skills.

Resettling in Carolina Shores, NC he transferred his Elks membership to Calabash and joined the local American Legion and VFW. He was a member of the Town of Carolina Shores Planning Board and was always willing to volunteer his service and skills to anyone who needed help. He was instrumental in establishing the Carolina Border Shields an organization of retired law enforcement personnel.    He loved working in his yard and garden while planning for the next traveling adventure. He and Susan shared wanderlust for anyplace they hadn’t been and had visited 88 countries until Covid suspended future plans.

He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and outgoing “larger than life” personality which made even the slightest acquaintance, an instant friend.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Susan, his sister Mary Ellen Francis, his daughter Patricia (Alan), his son James (Yvonne), stepdaughter Cheryl (Daniel), stepson Michael (Mika), grandchildren Danielle Fiorello; Mia, Addison, Braxton and Walker O’Reilly; Corinne, Audrey and Craig Nakagawa; and Chase and Emile Lemire.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church-5101 Ocean Hwy. W. Shallotte on Thursday March 23 at 10 am. A gathering of friends will take place at the Calabash Elks Lodge, 937 Carter Drive, Calabash, immediately after. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, in Dan’s name, would be appreciated.