In Memory of May P. Reilly

Obituary

May was born in Utica, NY, the proud daughter of John and Grace Pavese. Predeceased by her twin sister, Mary, whom she never had the opportunity to know, but will spend eternity with; undoubtedly, they’ve already become fast friends. 

May was educated in the Utica school system and loved school. She was a proud graduate of Faxton School of Nursing. During the earliest days of the Polio vaccination, May completed a residency in New York City amongst the Polio patients. It was work that she was very proud to be a part of. Countless years later, May spoke to Greater Utica Sunrise Rotary Club members on the work that she was able to do, and the life that those afflicted with Polio was like.

May was a good friend to all, and remained friends with so many through her long, full life. She enjoyed giving back to her community through organizations including The American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boys Club of America, Compeer, churches, Rotary, and wherever her daughter would ‘volunteer’ her for. Teaching was an inherent gift, and she was especially proud of the work that she did on behalf of those who struggled. Empowering women; helping the poor and those who found themselves in difficult situations became a way of work for May. She loved teaching student nurses, CNAs, LPNs, assisting in their testing, and seeing them thrive through their lifelong careers.

May enjoyed reading, knitting, puzzles, card games, and most importantly, the love and companionship of her family and friends. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Robert V. Reilly, Sr. on February 23, 1957. They enjoyed travel, dancing, and raising their family. May is survived by their son John and his wife Ann Reilly; their daughter Maura Rose and her husband Joseph Curcuru, and their son, May’s Great Grandson Santo Curcuru. May’s son Robert V. Reilly, Jr. and his wife Melissa Robinson, their sons Robert V. Reilly, III and his wife Alexandra Reilly, and Richard John Reilly. May’s favorite daughter, Judith H. Reilly and her daughter Willow, and sons Smidgen, Boots, and the youngest little guy, Percy.

To know our mom was to love her. Judy shared her home with May for nine years and through those years would feature May in many videos and posts to ‘her people.’ Judy would encourage her mom to share words of wisdom with her friends, and she leaves a huge hole in our lives, but each and every life she touched is better for having known her.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.  Calling hour will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the Celebration. 

In lieu of flowers, and to honor the life of service to her community, May’s family asks that you consider a gift to St. Margaret’s Corporation, 47 Jordan Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.  

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.