Beloved Founder, Leader, and Spirit of Our Parade Celebration
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved parade founder, Tom Reilley. A guiding light in our community and a cherished friend to so many, Tom left this world having forever changed it—and all of us—for the better.
For more than four decades, Tom was not just the architect of our annual parade—he was its heart and soul. His boundless energy, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment turned what began as a modest gathering into a deeply cherished tradition that brought thousands of people together in celebration, pride, and joy year after year.
Tom’s dream was never just about a parade. It was about community. It was about bringing people together, giving families something to look forward to, offering children something to believe in, and uniting neighbors from every walk of life with music, color, laughter, and shared hope. His passion transformed a local event into a symbol of unity, resilience, and togetherness.
Every detail—from the hand-painted banners fluttering in the wind, to the cadence of the drums, to the gleaming floats that rolled down Main Street—bore Tom’s personal touch. He knew every marcher’s name, every sponsor’s story, and every family who lined the route. He welcomed new volunteers like old friends and inspired generations of organizers to give their time, their hearts, and their talents back to the community.
Tom’s leadership was visionary, but it was also deeply personal. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often late into the night, not for accolades or recognition, but simply because he believed in the power of community and the magic of a shared celebration. He mentored young organizers, supported local schools and small businesses, and was always the first to lend a hand—or a listening ear—when someone needed it most.
In Tom’s presence, people felt seen, valued, and inspired. His warmth and charisma were matched only by his humility and tireless spirit. And though he would often deflect praise with a grin and a joke, those who knew him understood just how much of himself he poured into every parade, every planning meeting, every moment of joy that lit up the streets.
As we now face the unimaginable reality of a parade season without him, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose—to honor his legacy not just in words, but in action. Tom’s spirit lives on in the traditions he built, the memories he created, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy is etched into every banner, every beat of the drum, and every smile that lights up the faces along the parade route.
To say he will be missed is a tremendous understatement. But even in our sorrow, we are grateful—grateful for the gift of knowing him, for the beauty he brought into our lives, and for the example he set in leading with love, purpose, and community spirit.
As we move forward, the parade will go on—but it will never be the same. It will carry Tom’s fingerprints, his vision, and his spirit in every step. We march forward not just in his memory, but because of it.
Thank you, Tom Reilley—for the joy, the unity, and the heart you gave us all. You were, and always will be, the soul of our celebration.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Your light will forever guide our path.
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