Beverly, MA- Peter Michael JCD Reilly, 82, of Beverly MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 26, 2026.

Peter was born on October 13, 1943 in Boston, MA, the son of the late Peter and Gertrude (Leibel) Reilly. He was born in Boston but after WWII his family settled in Fairfield Ct where he spent his youth. He attended St Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and Fairfield Preparatory High School where he was introduced to Jesuit education. After graduating from high school Peter entered the Jesuit Seminary in Lenox MA where he spent four years. To finish his undergraduate degree he spent one year at Boston College before going to the University of St. Louis, MI for a graduate degree in Organic Chemistry. Peter valued education throughout his adult life. He took many additional graduate level chemistry courses as well as language studies including French and German. He took several trips to Germany & Austria for 4-6 week long immersion courses and at his home he has a bookcase full of books written in French but mostly German, his favorite language.

Peter's other love was traveling. He gradually covered the world going to common places but also to the paths less traveled. He was particularly interested in architecture, especially Cathedrals! And he remembered them all making mental comparisons of all the details. His favorite style was Gothic! Of interest to him also was the geography, cultures and customs of the native people, their language and art and of course culinary delights. He liked to bring his adventures home with him in the way of books, art in all forms, mugs and T-shirts. He usually brought an empty suitcase with him to bring his treasures home or sometimes had them shipped.

Peter was a very gentle soul. He cared deeply. He would walk away from disagreements, confrontations and avoided all the drama at any cost. He was contemplative in his heart and soul. He was quite frugal but oh so generous. He loved giving gifts and was well known for his creative style. One sister remembers a birthday gift when she was young. It was an outing for just the 2 of them, a train ride from Fairflied to New Haven. And she recalled that he even carried her back to the train station in New Haven because they were running a little late and needed to walk a bit faster than her young feet could go. They made it to the train on time and carried with them a cherished adventure.

After ten years with the Jesuits Peter taught at Amesbury High School for one year. He then accepted a high school/ middle school teaching position at Melrose. There he found his home for the next thirty years. It must be said that Peter's life mission was his students. They were his life. His students gave purpose and meaning to every day. He loved them in a special way and they loved him. It wasn't uncommon for family members to meet someone from Melrose who knew Peter and remembered him with a smile and kind remarks, "a great teacher", "He was tough but he made learning fun". Many of his students kept in touch with him over the years which always made him happy.

He leaves behind his sisters Marijean Achilli of Vernon CT and her children Peter Hunt, Susan Canchola, Dana White, Brian Hunt and ten grandchildren; Pat Langill of Arlington MA and her children Tori Vollbreccht, Janette Langill, Kenneth Reilly, and three grandchildren; Kathy Oiler (Todd) of Starrucca PA; Eileen Chenell (Peter) of Guilford CT and their children Christopher Chenell, Melissa Jones, and 1 grandchild; Ginny Chenell (Rich) of Guilford CT and three children Julie Chenell, Nicole McDonough, David Chenell, and ten grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Peter was predeceased by his sister Terry Satta of Honolulu.

A Funeral Mass will be at St Eulalia Parish 50 Ridge St Winchester MA on Friday June 19, 2026 at 12 noon. Burial will be private at a later date. There will be a luncheon after Mass & all are welcome.