"I remember Fr. Gabriel from his days at St. Monica's. I was in his CCD class. Ever present at Fr. Gabriel's side was his beloved dalmatian, Casey. Father Gabriel was a good man."
In loving memory of
Gabriel T. O'Reilly
March 7, 1944 - June 7, 2013
Father Gabriel O'Reilly, 'King of Davie', dies at 69.
Founder, builder of St. David Parish remembered for generosity, determination.
The people of St. David Parish have lost the only pastor they ever knew.
Father Gabriel O'Reilly, the 6'5", white-haired Irishman who shepherded the Davie parish since its founding, died early this morning after a brief but devastating bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 69 and had celebrated his 46th anniversary as a priest three days earlier, June 4 -- the same day the parish was established in 1974.
"It's just been such a shock to us. It's unbelievable. The whole parish is distraught," said Hubert O'Reilly, Father O'Reilly's brother, who flew to South Florida from Ireland with another brother, Terry, just a day before Father O'Reilly's death. Both were at their brother's bedside when he died early in the morning June 7.
Also stopping by: A veritable procession of past and present parishioners coming to say their goodbyes.
"We decided any parishioner that came we would let them into the room briefly. The amount of love - it was unbelievable," said Hubert O'Reilly. "He was deeply loved and the stories we heard about what he did for people -- outwardly he was a big brash man but inwardly he was generous, kind, giving. He looked after them spiritually, mentally and financially."
"I met people that I hadn't seen since the year I was ordained who were friends of his at St. Monica," said Father Anthony Mulderry, pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Pompano Beach. "Their daughters were little kids and they came to say goodbye to him 45 years later."
Father Mulderry and Hubert O'Reilly have been friends since the time they studied together in the seminary in Ireland. Hubert decided not to pursue the priesthood. Father Mulderry met Father O'Reilly on the plane that brought them and a third Irish priest to Miami Aug. 31, 1967.
"Two weeks ago he played golf with all us guys that hang around together, the Irish guys in Broward," Father Mulderry recalled. "Every Tuesday we met to solve all the problems of the diocese and to play golf. And we didn't do very well at either."
At the time, Father O'Reilly complained that his stomach was bothering him but no one thought anything of it. By Thursday of last week he felt so sick that he went into the hospital. The diagnosis came Saturday: Less than a week to live.
While it was shocking for a man who gave the impression of being "indestructible," said Hubert O'Reilly, "for his sake we were pleased because he wasn't a man who could suffer in bed looking up at the ceiling and wasting away - and everybody who knew him knew that."
Hubert, another brother, Terry, and their wives had spent six weeks in South Florida just a few months ago. The O'Reilly clan was planning a big family reunion in Ireland later this month.
"He was the rock of the family," Hubert O'Reilly said. "He kept the family together. Not a day went by when he didn't make contact. To him, family was everything. He even preached family here in the church."
In fact, he often recalled moments of his childhood to make a point in his homilies, Hubert O'Reilly said. "He also had a habit of embellishing them a little bit."
"He always had stories - most of them not true," said Father Mulderry. "He told them so often he believed them himself. He always would love to be able to tell you something that you didn't know. Find out something first."
"But he was a good man," Father Mulderry said, noting that he was still in shock over the death of his friend. "I've been blown away by this."
"So many people have remembered him for how he cared for their dying relatives," said Hubert O'Reilly. He recalled meeting one man at a St. David carnival years ago who had fallen away from the faith and then returned. The man had told Father O'Reilly, "When my father was dying you just came to see him and every time you left he was happier. That brought me back."
"That's the kind of man he was," his brother said. "There were three things in life that he loved. He loved his priesthood. He loved his family. And he loved St. David."
Born March 7, 1944 in Clara, County Offaly, Ireland, Father O'Reilly was the seventh of eight children. His father, Hugh, was a police officer, and the family was considered "farming stock."
Father O'Reilly attended Franciscan Primary School in Clara and St. Kieran's College, then completed his theology studies at St. Peter's in Wexford. He was ordained June 4, 1967 for the then Diocese of Miami and began serving as parochial vicar at St. Monica in Opa Locka. Concurrently, he served as chaplain of the Marian Center for the developmentally disabled and director of the Apostolate to the Deaf and Blind (precursor to today's Schott Communities).
In June 1970 he was named parochial vicar of Little Flower Parish in Hollywood and chaplain of the Sunland Training Center in Miami, a state-run facility for the disabled. In 1974, he was named administrator of the newly-created parish of St. David, becoming pastor four years later.
"He set up the parish in a pub. On Sunday morning they used to open the pub for Mass," Hubert O'Reilly said.
When Eddie Egan's, as the place was called, closed down, parishioners began meeting in a warehouse. By 1979, however, Father O'Reilly had broken ground on a 15-acre site at 3900 S. University Drive in Davie, and shortly thereafter built a church with seating for 600.
Four years later, in 1983, the school opened with less than 100 students. In 1987, another 600 seats were added to the church and the school grew from six classrooms to 25, including state-of-the-art computer and science labs. It currently has an enrollment of 600.
Father Mulderry said Father O'Reilly "loved construction" and frequently handled the heavy equipment himself. He served as construction manager for the altar where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass when he visited Miami in 1987.
"He's the only (priest) I know where he started the parish from scratch and he died as pastor. He built the village of St. David," Father Mulderry said.
He recalled an article in a local newspaper that referred to the parish as "O'Reilly land."
"Father O'Reilly was the king of Davie, I promise you," Father Mulderry said.
In 1995, Father O'Reilly spearheaded the founding of a St. David outreach center to serve the needs of the poor in the area. That center is now known as the HOPE Outreach Center, which stands for Helping Other People Every Day. It provides food to people who cannot make ends meet due to job losses, disabilities, health crisis and other emergencies.
Hubert said there's a bronze bust of Father O'Reilly in one of the hallways of St. David School. Underneath is written: "Don't tell me it can't be done."
When he asked his brother about it, "He said they didn't put the second line in -- 'or I'll go out and do it myself'."
"Nothing was impossible to him. There was always a way," Hubert O'Reilly recalled. "There won't be the likes of him again, I will tell you."
Funeral services for Father O'Reilly will begin Friday, June 14, 2013, at 4 p.m. at St. David, with a vigil lasting all night and vigil prayers at 8 p.m. Archbishop Thomas Wenski will celebrate the funeral Mass Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale.
Survivors include his brothers, Hubert, Terry (Monica) and P.J. (Chris); sister, Lily Doherty; sister-in-law, Margaret O'Reilly; brother-in-law, Daniel Gleeson; nieces, nephews and extended family, all in Ireland and England. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Sara (Whelan) O'Reilly; sister, Carmel Gleeson; brothers, Oliver and Michael and brother-in-law, Manus Doherty.
Tributes
"Sympathy and Prayers from Fr. P.J. Byrne, P.P., Fr Des Reid, C.C. and all parishioners from Kilcock & Newtown Parish, Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin, Ireland on the death of Fr. Gabriel."
"Father O'Reilly greeted the children each morning after prayers with "Good Morning boys and girls" and a big bright smile. During our playtime outside , he and his dogs would pass by and say " Hello". We will miss his presence and spirit and how he always knew what to say to make you feel better. Thank you for your love, and dedication--you will always be in our hearts. Hugs to your beautiful family and deepest sympathy. Love, Linda Samela and Family"
"Father O'Reilly,
You will forever be in our hearts. You brought us back to the church and filled our lives with faith. You were our angel on earth. I lived every week to attend mass at your church. It has been the best 17 years of my life. My heart is filled with sadness and sympathy for your family, friends and all of us at St. David. You will always be remembered and we look forward to seeing you in heaven. Rest in peace and thank you for being a part of our lives. "
"There are not enough words to express our deepest sympathies. Father O'Reilly was a great priest. He married my husband and I on February 26, 2000 and baptized our son Blake in 2003. Although we moved away from Davie, to West Palm Beach, Father O' Reilly's masses were missed. I loved going to church at Saint David's. He certainly made mass interesting. He will always be remembered for his caring manner. He loved every one of his parishioners. May he rest in peace. He will be missed. "
"Thank you for being a part of our family for years. From my husband's CYO priest at St Monica's to rubbing my pregnant belly at Dr. Barry's office and calling my first born "your baby". We had you baptize all our children which meant the world to us. I am now thankful that on our of our last trips to Florida I made sure we heard you say mass and took picture with two of my children. The fond memories our family has of you will last until we see you again. I know you are now pain free and safe in God's presence. Continue to pray for those you have left behind but will never forget you as we pray for you and yours. Love you forever and always! Rest in peace "
"Sorry I cannot make it to the funeral but to say that Gabriel was larger than life would be an understatement. We enjoyed our St.Peter's re-union only weeks ago and Gabriel was the essence of a host as expected. I spent four years in St.Peter's with Gabriel and he was always so entertaining in conversation as he has been all his life but his actions were much louder than words. My brother Fr.Robert Nolan, Adamstown,Wexford and Gabriel were ordained the same day. On behalf of my brother and I, our sympathy goes out to the family of Gabriel and St.David's Family. "Ar Dheis De go raibh a h-anam Dilis, Gabriel" John Nolan Cape Canaveral, FL "
" Our deapest sympathy to Terry , Monica and all the O'Reilly family on the passing of Father Gabriel you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace."
"I can remember The day Fr. O'Reilly came to Saint Monica's. All of the kids at the school were amazed because we didn't know priests could be young. Gabe became a friend to many families there and stayed a lifelong member of our family. He baptized my baby sister and he also flew to North Carolina to officiate at her wedding. He was a big jovial presence in our lives . I can remember pool parties at the rectory, camping trips, carnivals, but mostly I remember him always taking time to listen. I am picturing Father and my dad in heaven together , catching up and sharing a cold one. My deepest sympathies to the O'Reilly family and to all his parishioners. "
"To Terry and all the O' Reilly family. My deepest sympathy on Fr. Gabriel's sudden passing.One of Clara's faithful sons. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal."
"This is not a goodbye, this is a see you later. Until we meet again..."
"My mother and I have been members at St. David's for over 14 years. We have always loved Father O'Reilly. Words cannot express how much we will miss him. He was a wonderful and kind and giving man."
"Having been a member of St. David's for 20 years (1980-1999) we were extremely fortunate to have Father O'Reilly as our pastor during that time. He will be sorely missed, but will remain in our hearts and our prays go out to his family (which includes everyone in his parish and beyond). He will be missed by everyone. "
"Catha (Duffin) & Michael Gunnint Tullamore. Co. Offaly. Ireland Our deepest sympathy P.J. Lily, Hubert, Terry and extended family on Gabriel's untimely death R.I.P. Thinking of you all at this sad time and remembering happy times in Clara when our parents were alive and we were friends and neighbours and our Dads were Garda colleagues. Remembering also your Mam, Dad, Carmel, Michael and Oliver may they all rest in peace."
"Stunned to learn that Fr Gabriel has passed away. Having spent 5 years as a classmate in Ard Scoil Ciaran Naofa, Clara, with Gabriel ( known as Gabby then, for good reason) I have many good memories of times and events in the classroom and outside also. He was charming, witty and great company. Our paths crossed occasionally in the intervening years and it was always a pleasure to meet with him again.
Sincere condolences to his community in Davie and also to his family nearer home.
May his kind soul rest in peace.
"
"Father Gabe has been a good friend for over thirty years. He has touched so many lives in a positive way. He will be sorely missed. Please prepare a place for us with the Big Guy. Thanks for your generosity. We love you."
"Fr Gabriel so young ,so full of fun with a big heart Commiserations to those to whom he was beloved. As Ralph Waldo Emersson said,To leave the world a better place...to knoweven one life has breathed easier because you have lived.This is to have succeeded.And this you did in spades,kind fr gabriel.Rest in peace"
"My condolences to the O'Reilly family on this very sad occasion. I remember Fr.Gabriel from my time stationed as a Garda in Clara where his late father Hugh had also been a Garda.May his gentle soul rest in peace."
"Dear Father , I grew up going to St. Davids . I had my Communion and my confirmation at St. Davids. My family loved you, your church, and the wonderful mass you gave. I have very fond memories being with my family going to church together and having a donut after mass. The values that you and St. David have taught me have helped me through the toughest times in my life. I hope that you are in Heaven with all of your loved ones and hopefully you get to play great golf matches with your friends for the rest of eternity. You are loved and deeply missed. "
"You will be truly missed. You came to give my husband his last rites and served at his mass when he died. You always had a kind smile for everyone & were loved by us all. You will have a special place in Heaven."
"Our deepest sympathy to the O'Reilly family. Father O'Reilly was larger than life and will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Father O'Reilly was a gifted speaker and we refer to his homilies nearly thirty years later. How fortunate are we to have known him. We were members of St. David for fifteen years until our move in 1996. Father O'Reilly created the most wonderful school and our son was fortunate to be in the first class and graduate from St. David Catholic School. Our son was an altar server and later an usher with his father. The church, school, Scout troop 317, and carnivals, St. David is a loving community created by a kind and generous visionary. Father O'Reilly, we will miss you. "
"So sorry to hear of Gabriel's death, we went to school together in St Kieran's collage ,he was a lovely school friend and we shared many laughs and good times together.R.I.P"
"To Terry& The O'Reilly Family, Deepest sympathy on the death of Fr. Gabriel R.I.P"
"In 1981 my carnival, Sunshine Amusements became a part of St David. For many years we provided the rides for the then, yearly carnival. The event outgrew us but, Father O'Reilly and I remained in contact as I visited him often. My company has done business with many priests, none who have impressed me more of his love & dedication to his parish. I will miss him dearly!"
"My sincere condolences to Hubert, Terry and all of Father's family. My family and I will keep you in our prayers as well as Father who we so deeply miss. Father I have know you for over 35 years. My children and I joined Saint David when our church was a warehouse in Davie and the pews were folding chairs. You have helped to strengthen my faith through your words and your example. You inspired Uhel to converted to Catholicism. I will always fondly remember when you married us in the chapel of your home and hosted dinner for our family afterwards. I remember those times you would pop in to see us at the job. You were always so interested in our recycling and land fill operations. You have been our pastor and friend for many years and have helped us in so many ways. You are the reason we remained St. David parishioners and still attend 10 o'clock mass at St. David even after we moved to Delray Beach 20 years ago. I will miss your beautiful smile, your big bear hugs , your words of wisdom and most of all your treasured friendship. You will never be forgotten but will live in my heart forever. "
"Rest in Peace Father O Reilly. Our deepest Sympathy to your Family. Winnie And Randy Webb. From Alabama"
"Our condolences to Father O'Reilly's family, friends and St. David's parish. The Pipers will truly miss this wonderful man. He was a great support and comfort to our family . "
"We are so sorry ti hear about Father Gabriel's passing, we met him at a yard sale way back in 1976. we had just arrived here from London, wer'e Irish and he was wearing an shirt that said Ireland on the back, we walked up to him and said hello, he was very friendly to us , and helped my husband get a job in davie, that was helpful as we didn't know anybody. He went on to help my young son make his "first communion' in the church as we didn't belong to any church at the time, we'll always reme,mber his kindness may he rest in peace."
"I am truly saddened and in shock at Fr.'s sudden passing, and do not have words to describe my feelings. I have been a member of St. David for 28 yrs., and Father 'Is' St. David's. I never envisioned St. David without you and your inspiration and foresight. I was so happy that you said the 11:15 mass on May 19, and loved seeing your big bright smile when I complimented you after mass at how handsome you looked in your Mother's favorite color vestment. Thank you for all the life lessons, inspiring homilies, big hugs, and most of all your loving, caring, down to earth nature. Thank you for marrying George and I, accepting him as a convert, baptizing his children, allowing all our children to receive their sacraments together, Niko's education at St. David and being an altar server, the baptism of his children in Nov., the completion of our St. Peter statue and most importantly, dedicating your life as our priest. We are all better individuals for knowing you and having you in our lives. I am so happy your brothers were here with you as your journey ended, and so enjoyed meeting Hubert. You can certainly tell you are brothers! My deepest sympathies to all your family. You are truly missed Father."
" Father O' I can't even imagine my family without you in it. You have been such a huge part of our lives. Masses in hotel rooms, my Aunt Grace even remembers a Mass on the mountainside when she and my Uncle Mike came up to camp with you and my dad during a hunting trip. UM Football games and trips in the motorhome with my brothers Joey, Jimmy, & my children Mikey, Tina and Paul you've been there since, well forever. I remember when we had Mass at Eddie Eagan's, and all the free donuts!!!  my brother Frankie was your altar boy, and you had to remind him to stop ringing the bells so you could serve communion. You are one of my dad's very best friends, and my Grandma Porter's  Irish singing partner. I remember your good natured teasing of my Nana, and you made us all laugh. You were there when my mom passed.  I recall you came right over when I told you she had picked her day as January 11th.  She then told you that she was Jewish. You said to her, "Nina, I think we all started out that way." Good-humored and a good man all 6'5 of you. Bigger then life. You were there to give my dad his last rites -all 30 times. I remembered when he rallied the last night.  You called me and asked had there been any change and I said, yes Father ,he's sitting up and was eating a Popsicle while watching the game "Go Canes!". He had been in a coma for most of that day.  You laughed so hard I thought you're going to cry. "You got to be kidding me" you said. I could feel the smile all the way through the phone. You baptized all of my children, and grandchildren. And how the Hope Outreach Center has grown because of your vision, and how proud you were. I was so thankful when you named the Center's-tournament after my dad  "The Frank D'Andrea Golf Classic", and recognized his hard work; you know he never would have. You've been present for so many Christenings, from the very beginning with my brother Jimmy being christened right on the grounds before the St.David's Church was built. So many wedding's and too many funerals there .  You have been such a wonderful comfort to my family, this community, and to me. So , I know you have places to go and things to do. You'll probably pick up my dad and take him with you or he'll take you. I'll never forget all the ways you've blessed me and my family. The way you would always greet me, you'd say TERI  D'ANDREA with a very high note. I would sing right back at you and say...FATHER  O'REILY. I am so going to miss ! "
"I had been away from the church for many years and came back to my faith in my time of need about 8 months ago. And who was there to greet the prodigal son but Father O Reilly and the people of St. David. Until we meet again, God bless you and keep you!"
"My condolences and deepest sympathy for Father O'Reilly's family and the larger family of St David's parish, School and Hope Outreach. My family and I were blessed to know Father for over 18 years. My daughter attended St David's school and we attend the Sunday 10am mass regularly. I always looked forward to Father O'Reilly's stories and jokes during the Homily. He was always so inspiring. I loved that he was so down to earth and made everyone feel special. We will miss him but we will never forget him. "
"My family has known Father for over 35 years. I will always treasure the memory of Father walking down the church aisle for mass and the little kids running to the end to high five him! The children of our parish loved him so. I am so thankful that Father was with us last year to be able to perform my daughters wedding. I will treasure my photos of that day with Father in them. He was a wonder spiritual leader to our church. The McHugh family sends our deepest sympathies to the family. "
"Our deepest sympathies go out to Father O'Reilly's family and to the entire family of St. Davides. Father O'Reilly you were a comfort to us all and brought such joy just with your smile! You will always hold a special place in our hearts! "
"Recently I worked on improving the sound system in the gym/multi-use center. Father O'Reilly came over as I was testing it out. In stead of saying "test - 1 -2" to try it out he started to sing "Danny Boy" That was so typical. hHe always did things a bit better in his own way !"
"I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Father O'Reilly's family. He is truly a very special person. Father O'Reilly is the reason we attend St. David's. His words of wisdom and guidance touch us throughout the week. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. . Father O'Reilly, you are loved and will be missed."
"Rest in peace Father O'Reilly. You were such a kind and special soul. Our family is deeply sadden by your passing. You will always be a special part of our lives. "
"Rest in Peace dear Father O'Reilly. You were greatly loved and will be greatly missed."
"You were a special person and for that we are so thankful, may God be wtih you and your family."
"BECAUSE OF FATHER GABRIEL I RETURNED TO MY FAITH AFTER A 30 YEAR ABSENCE.WE HAVE LOST A WONDERFUL MAN!!! GOD BLESS TO YOU IN THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME."
"He holds a special place in my heart. I wished I would have know him longer"
"We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Father O'Reilly's passing. As neighbors, we were very much aware of St. David's many outreach programs and HOPE that was established to help those less fortunate. Father O'Reilly was always generous and loving in his contacts with any person he met. He will truly be missed. Please extend our condolences to his immediate relatives and church family, plus his larger family - the residents of Davie!"
"I would travel all the way from Margate fl to to go to the 500pm mass because he said that mass you will be missed very much"
"What I will miss the most is the ever present twinkle in Fr O'Reilly's eyes. It made me feel like I was a close friend. Fr O'Reilly was an individual who would have been a big success in any field he chose to follow. Thankfully for everyone in and out of St David's parish he elected to be a priest. I will greatly miss him but am deeply grateful for having known him. "
"I am reeling with shock at the sad news of the passing of a very generous priest. Father Gabriel thank you for giving me a wonderful opportunity to join you as a school chaplain at St.Davids and serve in the great parish. you started with the people of Davie. It stands as a monument of your hard work and dedication. As you go to join the other good priests Fr.John Cotter and Charlie Peterman may they offer you a big chair so you may now rest from your labours. Gab may the loving Lord reward you for all the kindness and generosity you showed to so many. including myself. I will remember you here at Mass in my parish in Western Australia on Saturday next 15th June which is the anniversary of my own Ordination. I extend my deepest sympathies to your family and All the great parishioners of St.Davids "
"Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am at the loss of this great man. I will miss his brilliant sermons and his high fives coming down the aisle. When they made him they broke the mold. My prayers go up to him as he is now seated with The Lord. "
"Thank you, Father, for the past 25 years that my family and I have been attending St. David's. It was because of your compassion, faith, and meaningful sermons that kept us coming back. May our Lord and Savior welcome you home with open arms and may he continue to watch over the people of St. David and your loving family. "
"Father I can not imagine St David without you. Your strength and strong faith always made me feel safe. Despite many losses I always knew you were there. Other parishes could never match the warmth and tolerance you created at St David. While our hearts are broken by your passing I am sure you are enjoying a warm welcome in heaven. Rest in Peace dear Father OReilly
"
"There are so many favorite memories of Father Gabriel O'Reilly.... He was always quietly moving thru the crowd, shaking hands, offering a shoulder or a hug, his smile would light up the crowd. I particularly looked forward to him coming outside to meet and greet everyone at the Gazebo. My father played bagpipes - they would often share their "stories" about the pipes and Ireland. My father visited there one time and after that- the two of them spoke often. Father O'Reilly was a big supporter of families. As he walked among us (after the mass) he would "high five" the kids and always managed to know everyone's name. His words of advice and the discussions we had are priceless to me. He will always have a place in my heart. A while back he motivated and encouraged me to finish my book (I was writing it). I don't know what else to say.... I'm heartbroken. May the Lord Jesus Christ receive Father O'Reilly into his arms. I look forward to the day I see you again Father."
"We at Barry Creations Jewelry Store in Davie will sadly miss Fr. O'Reilly coming in and telling a tale, always a good laugh and sense of humor. We are saddened by his loss and wish the O'Reilly family our sympathy."
"We will always remember you Father O'Reilly..!. Our prayers are with your family. You will be missed dearly. God has received you with open arms...May you rest in peace..."
"Father O'Reilly welcomed EVERYONE to St. David. We'll miss his little waves to everyone as he walked through the church before mass, his "powerful" sermons, and his genuine smile. Thank you, Father for the 20 years we were parishioners at St. David with you. RIP."
"Father O'Reilly had the patience of a Saint.....Both my daughters Abby and Ali were Alter servers . He was always patience with them as well as all the other children that were servers.....Helping them hold up the book and even helping they turn to the right page because they lost their place. He would always smile at them and let them know that it was ok.
RIP Father....
Love,
Alan, Andrea, Abby & Alison
"
"Robert Chiplock and Family The King of Davie is with the King of Heaven today. You will be greatly missed. RIP Father O'Reilly!"
"Father O'Reilly will be missed by the Girard Family! He was the King of Davie! Anyone that met him felt his warm and kind heart. You just wanted to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek, as I did every time I saw him. We really lost one of the greatest Priests of all time, Rip Father O'Reilly! "
"Words can't express how saddened we are for the loss of our Beloved Father O'Reilly, the benevolent King of Davie. We feel blessed that our children have had the opportunity to be nurtured in the loving arms of his Saint David Catholic Church and School. What Father has created at Saint David Parish and what he means to the Town of Davie, is unique in today's day and age and harkens back to a simpler time when life was slower and church and community were intertwined. A loving bond exists between all parishioners, school children, faculty and staff at Saint David and Father O'Reilly was the cement that bound us all together. He was a Father figure to us all and has been a source of love and strength for so many, past and present, in good times and bad. We will miss him so. Our deepest condolences to Father's family on the loss of this wonderful man. Our task now is to keep his spirit and vision alive. God Bless You Father O'Reilly! "
"Fr. O'Reilly had such a presence when he walked down the aisle for Mass and greeted his parishioners. He was the good shepherd who led his flock for so many years. May he rest in peace."
""What a guy!" .....Those were the three words Father said to my two sons each time they saw him after mass every Sunday! How we will miss that man...words cannot express the monumental loss we at St David Church and School will experience without him! "What a guy!""
"Father you will truly be missed,may you rest in peace. "
"This preist was truly an inspiration to love God He will be missed"
" My heart is filled with sadness and joy at the same time as I think about the passing of Father Gabriel O'Reilly... As my family and I decided to look for a church that would welcome us as unknowledgeable Catholics; Father Reilly you were where with open arms and doughnuts... As my daughter Andi Webster was old enough to decide to move forward in her faith, to become baptized, receive her First Holy Communion and then Confirmation; Father O'Reilly you were there to guide her along the way... As my sister in law Terry McWatters Frances and her husband Gus Frances welcomed my Godson Anthony in to world and chose to raise him and my nephew Tyler in the Catholic faith; Father O'Reilly you were there with gentle hands to grace them. As my marriage was ending and I felt as though I had failed not only my marriage but also my promise to God; Father O'Reilly you were there to counsel me and remind me that I am only human and some things are out of my control... As my daughter moved forward in her education and decided to spend her summers volunteering at St David's summer sports camps instead of "veg-ing" out on the couch all summer; Father O'Reilly you were there motivate her and inspire her to spend her time in a positive way... Father O'Reilly you have been an influential factor in my families' journey through our Catholic faith... You will be missed dearly and while my heart is heavy with sadness of your death I am pleased to know that you will be looking down on us and will continue to guide us along our path"
"Fatherr Gabe, I will miss your infectious smile and sense of humor, but most of all, I will miss your sincere caring and doing for others. You devoted your life to Christ and may you reap your reward in heaven at the "right hand of the father" You will be missed tremendously by al but will be with us in spirit. Deepest sympathy to all your family "
"Rest in Peace Father O'Reilly...
Praying for your family and friends during this difficult time.
God Bless... ð?'¼"
"By accident I met him at a pub in Ireland on the eve of a football game from his county Offaly. He invite me and several of my friends to join him at the game and provided us with several tickets. This was typical of Fr Gabe; his generosity, spontaniety and friendliness.
I last met and spoke with him in March in the sacristy of St David's while I was waiting to officiate a wedding..
You will be missed, Fr Gabe. Enjoy your reward with Jesus your savior."
"Rest in peace, Father O'Reilly. Our deepest sympathy to your family. -The Blaz Jurko Family"
"My children and I are heartbroken by the loss of Father O'Reilly. His strength, wisdom and kindness has guided my children, Thomas, Jared, Katherine, Jennifer and I thru difficult times and joyful occassions for 23 years as our parrish priest and friend. The Many blessings he has given us will forever be in the hearts of our Saint David Families. Deepest Sympathy to his family and friends."
"Father O'Reilly will be deeply missed. He was sincere, gracious, kind and loving to all. I will never forget his smile and his outward acceptance of everyone he met. This is a truly deep loss for St. David's. I'm glad to know Heaven has received such a special angel. God Bless you Father and your family at this difficult time. "
"We will always remember you riding your golf cart around church grounds, your noble hand shake, your sweet smile. God is blessing and receiving you with open arms. RIP, Father O'Reilly!"
"God bless you Father O'Reilly. Salt of the earth, advocate of the little ones. "
"The Pratts Family will miss a truly great man. Always warm and smiling, we will never forget you! May you rest in peace and continue to watch over us all"
"Father O'Reilly was such a special man . My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. God rest his gentle soul."
"I credit him with genuinely saving me through one of the roughest periods of my life. He was always there to welcome me into his office and give me some of the greatest life advice I have ever been given. He would always at some point say his famous "don't live with shoulda, woulda, coulda, because that's in the past" I live by those words!! I am heartbroken over his passing but Heaven just got one of the greatest Irishman to ever walk the earth!!! Out family will forever hold you near and dear to our hearts!! I am also so thankful that my youngest son was able to be in his final communion class this past May 2. We are praying for his family!! Love the Edelman family! "
"There are so many things the Foy Family loved about him! His high fives with the kids while coming and going from Mass, His meaningful but short sermons, riding around on his golf cart during the carnival, coming over to say hi to all the Foy's after 10am Mass, doing our First Communions, confirmations, weddings, baptisms, funerals, Last Rites, starting Hope Outreach, going to be with families in the middle of the nite when they had a tragedy, coming over to visit Dad when Dad was dying, giving Mom Last Rites and having Mass for her funeral even though she wasn't Catholic, taking in Remy and giving him quality of life in his later years.....on and on. He was a powerful leader and God shone through him. He will be missed so very much. I'm sure he's with Dad, Remy, Manis and Tom right now trying to figure out what needs fixing in Heaven! "
"Father O'Reilly touched us in so many unique ways. His practical approach to issues we faced, and the wisdom he imparted to us helps each one of us be the best we can be in our faith community. May God Bless you Father. You will be remembered."
"A good man and strong leader. It is sad that he is gone. He will be missed. He will continue to watch over St. David's from his new home. God rest his soul."