Dr. Phillip Reilly


Dr. Philip Cullen Reilly passed away on January 27, 2010 at the age of 91.


He was born in New York City, one of three children of Frederick and Florence Reilly. He was educated at Fordham University and New York Medical College and was the chief of medical residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan.


Dr. Reilly married Patricia Riordan, his childhood sweetheart, in 1943. He served his country as a flight surgeon in Europe during World War II, receiving his discharge with the rank of captain in 1946. 


Dr. Reilly worked as an internist and cardiologist in private practice, for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and at St. Vincent’s Hospital. He retired from medical practice in 1979 and moved to Shelter Island full-time with Mrs. Reilly in 1981.


Dr. Reilly loved the beauty of the Island in all seasons of the year. He was known by his friends as “the walker” who could be seen every day exploring the Island’s walkways and coastline on foot.


Dr. Reilly, whose son, Dr. Philip C. Reilly Jr. died in 1995, is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter Marianne; his sons Brendan, Kenneth and William; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. 


A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of the Isle Church on February 1. The interment was at Our Lady of the Isle Cemetery. 


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shelter Island Senior Citizens Foundation, PO Box 352, Shelter Island, NY 11964.