O’REILLY, Thomas Paul Of Wayland formerly of Wellesley, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on February 18, after a courageous battle with cancer. A highly esteemed, long-time Boston attorney, he was 77.
Proud of his Dorchester roots, Tom was the fourth of five children born to Patrick J. and Sara (Tull) O’Reilly. He held the distinction of being a Triple Eagle, having graduated from Boston College High School, Boston College, and Boston College Law School. His law school education was interrupted as he served our country in the U.S. Army. He began his career as staff counsel to the Travelers Insurance Company. At that time, he also met his beloved wife, Norma Ouellet. They were married for 47 years and raised their three children in Wellesley before moving to Wayland a few years ago.
In 1976, Tom joined Parker, Coulter, Daley & White, where he remained a general partner until he became a founding partner of Curtin, Murphy & O’Reilly in 1995. Tom developed a significant practice in the defense of occupational injury claims, particularly in the area of occupational disease and toxic exposure claims, both in Massachusetts and under the provisions of the Long Shore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. He was also an experienced civil litigator in state and federal courts and had been Massachusetts counsel to several national corporations on toxic exposure claims.
Remaining on the job until the end, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his work and the people he encountered through his practice. He was noted for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and warm and gracious manner. He received numerous accolades through the years, including The James Garretson Advocacy Award from the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys.
His great passion, however, was his family. With a large extended family, he relished get-togethers with the clan and played a prominent role in milestone events. He was especially fond of spending time with family and friends at Lake Winnipesaukee.
Tom was also a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, and loved to travel with his wife, Norma. He was a master at planning family road trips, combining Broadway musicals with theme park adventures and historical sites, and took great delight in experiences off the beaten path. With such a sharp and quick mind, he was also a legend in the family for his prowess at games such as Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children, Erin Brooks and her husband, Scott, of Toronto, Andrew O’Reilly of Los Angeles, CA, and Brendan O’Reilly and his wife, Carla, of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Aven and Hayes Brooks of Toronto; brother, Robert J. O’Reilly and his wife, Marian, of Boynton Beach, FL; sister, The Rev. Canon Patricia O’Reilly of Pasadena, CA; in-laws Alan Ouellet and Liz Becker, Jeannette and Frank DiBiase, all of Wellesley, Thomas and Maryanne Ouellet of Sherborn, and Jackie O’Reilly of Lady Lakes, FL; as well as many beloved nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two brothers, William O’Reilly of Lady Lakes, FL and James O’Reilly and his wife, Sally, of Cave Creek, AZ.
Visiting hours will be at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) Wellesley, Friday, March 3, 4-7 p.m., with a Funeral Mass celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Rd., Wellesley Hills, on Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom’s memory may be made to the Massachusetts General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St., Newton, MA 02462.