Liquor Industry Executive
John Boyle O’Reilly, 81, a lifelong resident of South Natick, died peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2017, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous fight against leukemia.
Born in Natick, he was the son of the late Anna K. (McGlone) and John Boyle O’Reilly, Sr.
John was the devoted husband of Janet (Meyers) O’Reilly for 54 years. He is also survived by his three adoring daughters, Kathleen M. O’Reilly of South Natick, Maureen A. O’Reilly and her fiancé Ethan Mutschler of South Natick and Suzanne L. Elliott and her husband Scott J. Elliott, Sr. of Holliston. John and Janet doted on their three grandsons, Scott J. Elliott Jr., Jack O’Reilly Elliott, and Brett John Elliott of Holliston.
Pre-deceased by his sisters Mary Duclos and Marjorie (George) Corbo and brother Myles (Frances) O’Reilly, he is survived by brothers-in-law Judge James W. Meyers of San Diego, CA; Fred A. Meyers of Jupiter, FL; Irvin Duclos of Ashland; and many nieces and nephews.
John graduated in the class of 1953 at Natick High School where he was active in sports. A proud veteran, he joined the US Army in 1954 and spent the majority of his service in Germany with the fifth division, being honorably discharged in 1956. Upon his return he enrolled in Newton Junior College where he graduated and completed his education at Boston University.
In 1964, John joined Seagram Distillers Company and soon became a rising star in the distilled spirits industry. A phenomenal salesman and mentor in every sense. It was here where he cultivated many lifelong friendships and traveled throughout the world.
John was promoted to Seagram’s Massachusetts and Rhode Island General Manager, holding that position until his retirement in 1990. During those years he received many accolades including being named Seagram’s top national Sales Manager and top Sales Manager for the Eastern Division. He was also a member of Seagram’s President Council. Retired for only three years, John re-entered the distilled spirits industry in 1993 as the General Manager of Fortune Brands’ Jim Beam Division for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, building one of the leading alcohol beverage companies in the area, finally retiring for good in 2006, having set a very high standard after 47 years in the industry.
John was a proud member of The American Legion and The Veterans of Foreign Wars, among numerous other organizations. In his spare time, John tremendously enjoyed gardening and landscaping, and on any given day you could find him happily pruning, planting, and sprucing up his yard. But his greatest pleasure was watching his three grandsons play sports in Holliston. He attended hundreds of games to cheer them on in football, lacrosse, baseball, and basketball. An avid Boston sports fan, he was fortunate to attend numerous sporting events including many Superbowls, the Kentucky Derby, Ryder Cups, NBA finals and Stanley Cup championship games.
John was devoted to his family, church and community. He had a heart of gold and his many friends will miss John’s kindness, generosity, keen sense of humor and ever present smile. His tireless energy and passion allowed him to always see the glass half full.
Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday June 3 at 10:00 A.M. in St Patrick's Church. Visiting hours are Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common. Internment Glenwood Cemetery South Natick. Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Natick Service Council, 2 Webster St., Natick, MA 01760 or donate blood to your local American Red Cross.