Richard John Reilly

Reilly, Richard J. passed away early Wednesday morning February 8th at Methodist hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. He was the devoted husband of Betty (Neas) for 68 years, and loving father of Tim (Beth Reilly) and Grandpa of Andrew and Kayla. Richard and Betty were kindred souls throughout life's journey. Richard enjoyed time with Betty and loved her very much. Richard took care of Betty for a year and a half after a stroke caused her to require a lot of assistance during the height of the COVID pandemic. Richard was blessed with wonderful neighbors who helped him so much during this difficult time. Richard was born in Hokah MN, and credits many of his later achievements to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, who taught him Latin and mathematics at St. Peter's School in Hokah. One of the sisters was an especially gifted math teacher during his high school years, and she even volunteered to tutor Richard though his college calculus and engineering courses, which he greatly appreciated. At 13, Richard assisted Kenny Jackson at the local machine shop - learning metalworking and fabrication. During this time Richard also developed an interest in aviation, building model airplanes, and dreaming of flying. Soon, aviation became a passion and he graduated with an Aeronautical Engineering degree in the early 1950s from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis campus. One of his first priorities after graduation was the purchase of a Cessna 140. Richard continued to own and fly light planes until very late in life. Richard was a rare breed of engineer with a broad skill set spanning both mechanical and aeronautical engineering, along with an ability to manage large projects. He was also talented in marketing, negotiations, contracts, project specification, and technical writing. Over his career he worked on high altitude atmospheric research with General Mills, engine inlets with Northrup Aircraft, fluid amplifiers with Honeywell, engine thrust measurements for the X29 with Computing Devices Canada, aircraft ground-based sound suppression with Aero Systems Engineering, weather systems with Kavouras Inc., and aerodynamic enhancements for the Australian designed Seeker aircraft by Seabird aviation. This work led him to travel, and be familiar with countries, organizations, and people all over the world. He valued all of them. Dad authored 3 books in his later years: Treadmill To Eternity, Tell Me A Story, and The Hush House Affair. All were about his life and adventures as an engineer and pilot. In lieu of flowers, donations to the School Sisters of Notre Dame would be greatly appreciated. Their address is: School Sisters of Notre Dame, 10700 W. Research Dr. Suite 145, Wauwatosa WI, 53226-3457. Mass of Christian Burial 11AM Monday, February 20, 2023 with visitation starting 1 hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 835 2nd Ave. NW, New Brighton. Interment St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com New Brighton Chapel 651-636-9821

Tributes

Richard John Reilly

January 15, 1930 - February 8, 2023

Tributes

Richard John Reilly

January 15, 1930 - February 8, 2023

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