William J. Reilly, Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Friday, December 4, 2020. "Bill" was born April 6, 1930 in Joliet, IL to the late William J. and Theresa (Meyer) Reilly. Bill worked his entire fifty year career at Blockson/Olin Chemical Plant in Joliet.

Bill is survived by one sister, Joan (Reilly) Janes, three daughters, Patricia (Greg) Backes, Susan (Pat) Culligan, and Mary Jo (Carl) Winefordner; one son, Michael (Sheila) Reilly; grandchildren, Patrick and Amanda Backes, Amanda (Jason) Malsky, Hayley (Joseph) Pope, Ryan (Katie) Culligan, Jessica (Jerrod) Hayden, Daniel Culligan, Theresa (Michael) Donhardt, Ian and Whitney Winefordner, Celine and Maia Reilly; great grandchildren Camryn Pope, Kaia and Taye Hayden and Alanna and Josiah Backes.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Bernice (Kuhn) Reilly, daughter Kathy (Jack) Ulmer, and brother Kenneth (Nancy) Reilly.

At the age of 16, Bill enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Italy in 1946. He was a lifelong fan of the White Sox and the Fighting Irish. Throughout his life, he had many interests including hunting, fishing, golf, photography, history, traveling Ireland, music, gemstones and jewelry making and competing in family Fantasy Football leagues. His sharp mind, wit and breadth of knowledge on numerous topics was a source of wonderment to all who knew him.

The family would like to express special thanks to Bill's loving caregivers, Virgie Case and Zenaida Dunsworth, whose dedicated, loving care will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Joliet Community Hospice.

Plans for a celebration of Bill's life are pending and will be announced at a later time.