Remembering Mayor Jack O’Reilly

Image of Jack O‘Reilly, courtesy Devon O’Reilly

On January 1, our community lost a great leader and great human being, former Dearborn Mayor John “Jack” O’Reilly, Jr.

Mayor O’Reilly was publicly known for his years of service on the Dearborn City Council and as the City’s leader. He cared deeply about the citizens of Southeast Michigan, and his life story includes numerous major accomplishments over more than 30 years as a public servant. Our society relies on people like him who offer their time and effort to seek and hold public office, which he ably did for so many years.

Mayor O’Reilly was a great friend to education, and specifically to Henry Ford College. He was one of the first leaders to welcome me to our community nearly seven years ago. Before we met, I had heard of his warmth and love of the history of Dearborn and Southwest Michigan. I always found him to be true to form—an energetic and unending fountain of information and nuance about our community. He was always warm and encouraging toward me and the College. Because I was new to the area, his gracious personal support meant more than I can say. He was particularly helpful to Henry Ford College when we were seeking the voters’ support to renew our public funding. It was clear that Mayor O’Reilly understood and valued the power of public education. And his voice was pivotal in successfully getting our message out.

All of us at Henry Ford College offer our deep condolences to Mayor O’Reilly’s wife, Christina; his three sons and grandchildren; and all who knew and benefitted from his friendship and service to our community. We will miss him as our friend and partner who dedicated his career to improving the lives of our fellow citizens and neighbors.

You can read more about Mayor O’Reilly’s accomplishments in the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, or City of Dearborn.

Russ Kavalhuna
President
Henry Ford College