Reverend James F. Reilly, age 69 passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2012. Born in Jersey City, Father Reilly was ordained in 1968. As a trusted friend, advisor, and a dedicated parish priest, he dutifully involved himself directly in local community affairs. He has served as the Pastor of St. Michael’s RC Church in Palisades Park for over 15 years. Previously, he served as Pastor of St. Cecilia’s RC Church in Kearny. He began his life in the priesthood at St. Paul the Apostle in Jersey City. Father Reilly was also the former Chaplain of Holy Name Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. As a priest committed to the community, he was honored to serve as Chaplain for the Fire and Police Departments of Palisades Park for more than a decade as well as those in Jersey City during his time there. Along with his dedication as a Catholic Priest, Father Reilly devoted himself to the advancement of Jersey City Medical Center. He served as the Board Chair both at Jersey City Medical Center and Liberty Healthcare. He was also very active with the Liberty Health Foundation. In honor of his service, the facility’s library was named in his honor. Father Reilly is survived by his devoted brother, John W. Reilly and his wife Annette. He was the loving uncle to Anna Maria Leppin and her husband Carl, as well as a caring great-uncle to his great-nephews, Anthony and Joseph. He was also the dear brother-in-law of Louis Parisi and his wife Diane. Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, March 23, from Noon – 4PM at the Notre Dame School Auditorium, 312 1st Street, Palisades Park (Adjacent to St. Michael’s Parish). Evening prayers will begin at 7:30PM and continue until 9PM at St. Michael’s RC Church, 19 East Central Ave., Palisades Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, March 24. (Church doors will open at 8AM.) Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst. In lieu of flowers donations in his name are appreciated by the family to St. Barnabas Medical Center Foundation, Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston, NJ 07039.