William L. "Bill" O'Reilly, 81, Saranac Lake

SARANAC LAKE -- William L. “Bill” O’Reilly, 81, of Saranac Lake, born in Watertown, NY in 1942, passed on December 24, 2023, under the care of his family supported by High Peaks Hospice.

Predeceased by his parents Herbert O’Reilly, Jr. and Katherine Allen O’Reilly, and brother David.

Survivors: Loving wife, Maxine O’Reilly. Children: Sue O’Reilly, Saranac Inn, NY; Michael & wife, Casie Worden O’Reilly, Ogdensburg, NY; Megan O’Reilly, Saranac Inn. Grandchildren, Hanna and Emma O’Reilly. Brother James and wife, Susan, Chaumont, NY; Sister Joanne Woolery, Houston, Texas; sister–in–law, Lyola O’Reilly, Watertown, NY. Nieces: Kim, Erin, Misty, Megan and Melissa. Nephews, Michael and Patrick.

He attended Wadhams Hall Seminary, St. Bonaventure University, and Plattsburgh State University.

Bill served in Parishes in Tupper Lake, Rouses Point, and Massena.

He also served as Director of the Office for the Aging in Franklin and Dutchess Counties. Working with many others, Senior Adult Centers were established throughout Franklin County.

He worked as a Nursing Home Administrator at the Franklin County Nursing Home; St. Joseph’s Home, Ogdensburg; Mercy Living Center, Tupper Lake, and Uihlein Mercy Center, Lake Placid.

He completed certification in Clinical Pastoral Services at Albany Medical Center.

After retirement, he volunteered with High Peaks Hospice, St Lawrence Valley Hospice, Franklin County RSVP, Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, Claxton Medical Center, and Mercy Living Center.

Bill traveled with his daughters to many beautiful places beyond his dreams plus 3 trips to the Emerald Isle.

He enjoyed time spent with his son and family and had a memorable skiing trip to Colorado with Michael.

He also enjoyed many trips to New Orleans and places in Canada with Maxine which were wonderful.

He was a cyclist who participated in two Tin Man Triathlons in Tupper Lake. He possessed intermediate skills at both piano and golf and had two holes-in-one that unfortunately had NO WITNESSES!

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

Bill’s family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at the church with Rec. Paul Kelly officiating.

A reception will follow at Charlie’s Inn in Lake Clear.

Donations may be given to High Peaks Hospice and/or St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg, NY.

Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.