Fran Mahony Reilly (1942-2024) worked for decades behind the scenes in Bronx Democratic politics while always keeping neighborhood issues and people at the forefront. She died Feb. 19 at age 81.
“Fran was a sweet, kind and generous person with a no-nonsense-get-things-done way about her,” said a spokesperson for the Throggs Neck Benevolent Association in a statement announcing her passing.
According to the Association, Reilly was preceded in death by her husband Denis and is survived by four children, many grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Reilly was a district leader of the Chippewa Democratic Club in the Bronx, one of the longest-standing political clubs in the city.
Assemblymember Michael Benedetto worked closely with Reilly dating back to the 1980s and called her “a fine lady.”
As someone who was close to politics but not a politician herself, Reilly “worked for the neighborhood,” he said.
“She leaves a legacy of performance and service to the community that will be hard to match,” said Benedetto.
John C. Dearie, a Bronx personal injury lawyer, told the Bronx Times that Reilly was “a legendary person” known for her civic and community work.
Reilly worked as Dearie’s administrative assistant in his Parkchester office during his state Assembly tenure from 1973-1992. In her role, Reilly often met with neighborhood organizations on Dearie’s behalf, tackling issues large and small.
“She was a wonderful person with a great personality,” Dearie said, adding that Reilly had “great care and concern for the neighborhood.”
An online memorial for Reilly can be found here.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
