John Gerard O'Reilly

John Gerard O’Reilly, 89, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, in Roseville, California. Born July 31, 1936, in Dublin, Ireland, John’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and hard work. His radiant energy, engaging conversations, and passion for European football—especially his beloved Manchester United, endeared him to all who knew him.

At 17, John left Dublin for Birmingham, England, and at 22, he embraced a new adventure in the United States. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1959, he served three years at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. It was there, at a USO dance in Oklahoma City, that he met the love of his life, Daisy. Their story began with a New Year’s Eve first date, a Valentine’s Day engagement, and a June wedding in 1962. For 63 years, their enduring love was a shining example of commitment and devotion.

Together, John and Daisy raised their family in Redwood City, California, where they lived for 38 years before retiring to Palm Desert. John’s career was as diverse as it was fulfilling: from electronics at Ampex, to construction at Rudolph & Sletten, to running his own landscape design business. He later dedicated two decades as head groundskeeper at Palo Alto Medical Centre and served as head of maintenance at Notre Dame de Namur College in Belmont.

John is survived by his wife, Daisy O’Reilly; daughter Michele O’Reilly-Kim (Jeff Kim); son John Gerard O’Reilly II; daughter-in-law Theresa O’Reilly-Hembree (Ron Hembree); and six grandchildren: Mathew O’Reilly, Madisun Hembree, Ashley Kim, Collin O’Reilly, Justin Kim, and Cameron O’Reilly. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy John O’Reilly. John cherished his grandchildren deeply, often reminding them that education was life’s great equalizer.

A private family burial will be held on November 25 at Sacramento National Veteran’s Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life planned for 2026. John’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. A man who could “talk the bark off of a tree,” he will forever be remembered in stories, conversations, and cherished memories.