Edward B. Reilly Jr., 96, of Newton, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and formerly Vero Beach, Florida, beloved husband of Anna F. (Pellegrino) Reilly, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 5, 2024. A son of the late Edward B. Reilly and the late Elizabeth M. (Clarke) Reilly of Newton, he was predeceased by sisters Elizabeth Stefanko, Claire Chagnon, Phylis King, Anne Pendergast, brother John Reilly, and great-grandson Ryan Foley.

Edward was born in Newton on August 1, 1928. He was raised and educated in Newton Massachusetts, growing up as one of six children in the family home on Cherry Street, attending Saint Bernard School, Warren Junior High School and graduating from Newton High School in 1947. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, served as a medic and was honorably discharged as a corporal.

Shortly after completing his service, he was appointed to the Newton Fire Department, where he spent his entire career, rising through the ranks to lead the department as Chief in 1979 and serving in that role until his retirement in 1990. As head of the Department, he also served as Director of Metro Fire, a mutual aid response pact of 34 cities and towns in the Greater Boston area. He was also a member of both the Massachusetts and International Fire Chiefs Associations. Edward and Anna raised their family in West Newton, in the home that Edward and his father built. His passion for family was complemented by his dedication to gardening and working his land, leading to a long working retirement on his farm in South Dartmouth. When his workday was done, he loved music, especially the tunes of his youth from the Big Band Era. He continued to dazzle his grandchildren and great grandchildren with his remarkably well-preserved dancing and diving skills. At day's end, the joy of sharing a meal and his stories with his wife, family and friends always preceded a good nap to come.

He is survived by his loving wife and favorite dance partner, Anna. Edward and Anna's children and their partners are Edward Reilly and Susan Worth of Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania; Cynthia Foley of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts and Jeff Simpson of Gorham, Maine; Stephen Reilly of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Joyce Reilly and Ruperto Ruiz of Morristown, New Jersey. Their grandchildren include Colleen and Richard Cormier of Mendon, Massachusetts; Thomas and Christine Foley of Easton, Massachusetts; Kate and Kevin Thorson of New York, New York; Peter and Krystyna Reilly of Quechee, Vermont; Augusta Reilly and Greg Lewis of Washington, DC; Annie Reilly and Dave Connolly of London, UK; Cameron Reilly and Christopher Mlynarski of Singapore; Arturo Ruiz of Morristown, New Jersey; Leonardo Ruiz of Washington, DC; Elizabeth Ruiz of Morristown, New Jersey; and Victoria Ruiz of Morristown, New Jersey. Their great- grandchildren are Adeline Cormier, Coleman Cormier, Stella Foley, Eloise Lewis, William Thorson and Henry Thorson.

Calling hours will be held at Burke and Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington Street, West Newton, Massachusetts on Sunday, December 15 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 16 at 10:00 AM at Saint Bernard Church, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton, Massachusetts. Burial will follow at Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Edward B. Reilly Jr. can be made to the Newton Fire Department's Children's Fund, P.O. Box 650094, West Newton, Massachusetts 02465.