Robert P. Reilly

Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow. ~Abraham Lincoln

A gentleman pirate with an ever present twinkle in his bright blue eyes, Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a compassionate educator and counselor who worked tirelessly to help young people navigate life’s rocky roads. He enjoyed good conversation with friends and strangers, playing cards with his buddies, the ups and downs of his beloved Dodgers, and the occasional glass of fine Irish whiskey. His quick wit and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Robert passed away peacefully on October 1, 2016, surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Carolyn Reilly and Robert E. Reilly. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Debbie, his daughter Lani Reilly Hessen, two grandchildren, Jake and Peter, and his cherished, snaggle-toothed Shi-Tzus Miley and Cyrus.

After graduating high school he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 4th Artillery Battalion at Fort Sill Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

Following his military service he enrolled at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Masters in Education. In 2013 he was awarded his PhD. in Education Psychology.

A passionate advocate for children, Robert worked as a counselor and teacher at Maunaolu College, Maui Hawaii. Upon his return to the mainland he began working at Boys Republic in Chino, California, a source of lifelong friendships and treasured professional relationships. Partnering with friends, he also opened a family and individual counseling service in Claremont.

In 1981 he relocated to Arizona where he worked as a Director of Community Programs and Family Therapist for Helaman House and continued a private practice in family and individual counseling. In 1988 he returned to California and settled in Long Beach where he began working at Childnet Youth and Family Services. He held many positions during his time at Childnet, retiring in 2014 as the Director of Community Relations.

He was a member of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Foster Care Review Board, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, Long Beach Unified School District Special Education Advisory Board, California Association of Private Special Education Schools (CAPSES), Wayne K. Miyamoto Fellowship Committee, National Association of Private Special Education Centers, (NAPSEC), Power 4 Youth and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Long Beach where he served as past President, Membership Chairman, Foundation Committee and Endowment Trustee. In 2015

He participated in an outreach mission to provide support for Special Education Students in the Philippines. This experience led him to become a founding board member of the Fenixia Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping special needs children and their families worldwide.

A memorial service will be at St. Cyprian Catholic Church on November 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. A memorial fund is being created to continue his lifelong efforts on behalf of underserved youth. Please visit www.RobertReilly.org for additional information.