George William Reilly of North Providence passed away at the age of 82 surrounded by his family. He was the fifth of six children born to the late Florence and John Reilly. He was married for 54 years to Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Reilly who met as young teachers at the newly built Smithfield High School. Their life included so many good times, including trips to Europe, regular visits to his beloved New Hampshire, a deep Catholic faith, creating an amazing family, and having so many good friends. Together with Betsy they raised two children who they taught the importance of family and friends. George took enormous pride in his family, which he considered his greatest accomplishment. He leaves a daughter Elizabeth (Reilly) Donabedian and her husband David of Providence, and a son Christopher Reilly and his wife Jen (Iamarone) of Attleboro, MA.
George grew up in Cranston and was predeceased by his brothers Jack and Bob and his sister Florence (Snooky). He is survived by his sisters Carole Leach of Coventry and Mary McDonald of Jamestown. He leaves so many nieces and nephews who enjoyed the quick wit and humor of Uncle George.
George worked his way through LaSalle Academy in Providence followed by his graduation from Providence College in 1965. He spent nights and weekends working at Sanford’s Liquor Store in Providence to pay his tuitions. Following college graduation, he took a job as an English teacher at the newly constructed Smithfield High School. There, he went on to become a veritable fixture in that school and its community. He Chaired the Department of English during his entire 32-year career. Affectionately dubbed “GWR” by his students, he taught everything from Shakespeare to Journalism. But he found some of his greatest joy, however, in assisting students who simply needed a passing grade in English to earn their diploma.
At Smithfield High he was the first faculty advisor to the school’s yearbook, the Anvil, which he oversaw for a decade. He started the school’s first Academic Decathlon team. George was a mentor to many young teachers throughout his career. He also believed deeply in the rights of schoolteachers and was a leader in Rhode Island’s burgeoning labor movement for public schools. He was a proud member of the National Education Association, where he held leadership positions at the local level and was an executive board member of the statewide union. George believed deeply in the importance of public education and fought hard to ensure investments in schools and the advancement of the teaching profession. George was most proud of being inducted into the Smithfield High School Hall of Fame in 2024.
Upon retirement in 1998 George was recruited to write a weekly column in the Providence Journal for military veterans. The “Veterans Column” was widely read and shared by readers. His byline appeared in the Journal for 20 years. George was also a supporter of the Rhode Island State Spelling Bee where he served as a longtime volunteer and head judge.
Along with his wife Betsy, George was very proud of his Catholic faith. He volunteered as a CCD teacher for many years. He was active in his beloved church, Our Lady of Grace in Johnston, where he served as a lector, a member of the Holy Name Society, a member of the bocce league, and a volunteer at its annual feast. The friendships and community of faith from Our Lady of Grace were a true gift to George in the later part of his life.
Together with Betsy, George was extremely proud to welcome four grandchildren into their lives. Affectionately called “Papa,” he reveled in all the milestones and accomplishments of his beloved Matt, Emma, Jake, and Didi. A fixture at their recitals, games, and school functions, George was always there to support his grandkids. All shared a special bond with their Papa, and they remember him fondly for his quirks, silliness, and above all the deep love he had for them all.
George leaves a long list of friends and relatives from all corners of his life. But his love for Betsy mattered the most and sustained him through his final moments.
His funeral will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 9 am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am in Our Lady of Grace Church, 4 Lafayette Street in Johnston. Visitation will be held on Thursday September 11, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Grace Memorial Society, 4 Lafayette Street, Johnston, RI 02929.
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