Rest in Peace

Bernard Patrick Reilly

July 16, 1935 – April 19, 2007

Bernie was a man amongst men; a gentleman and mentor to all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His devotion to his career was only ever exceeded by his love for his children and longing for his departed wife...God knows, he spoke about both daily! May God be with his family during this time of sorrow. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to so many.....his mark on the world will never fade!Thank you, Bernie for all that you have done for so many over the years! Thank you so much. –RG

Bernie was a devoted friend who knew the true value of a friendship. He loved his family and was devoted to them without question. He remained in love with his wife long after her death and showed a sense of loyalty that I admired so very much. He was a man who lived his life to the highest ethical and moral standards. He was a man of real courage. He was a man of “true grit.” He was the most well read and intelligent law enforcement officer that I had ever met. He was always well versed on the latest in law enforcement techniques and management even long after he retired. He was the most progressive police chief and true leader that ever served the Lebanon City Police Department. He was my friend, my mentor, my teacher and my guide—I loved Bernie and I will miss him forever. –Greg Holler

I will always remember Bernie as a mentor, colleague, neighbor, leader, and most importantly, a friend and confidante. He provided constant guidance to all who served with him in LPD, and nurtured us as his own children. I fondly recall the many conversations we shared over the back fence and on the front porch on Hanover Street, regarding law enforcement specifically and society generally. Bernie was both intelligent and compassionate, and served the City of Lebanon with unwavering dedication. He served as an inspiration to all of us.Rest in peace, my friend. I will miss and never forget you. –Gary L. Boyer, Sr.

I met Bernie during the sixties when he was both a patrolman and a part time student at Millersville. I knew him as both. And I respected him as both. Whatever he did he did with passion and compassion. Bernie was not so much concerned about doing things right but more with doing the right thing. And that he did consistently and flawlessly. He was a man of enormous skill and character. Lebanon has lost one of their finest. My deepest sympathies to his family. –Mike Bowman

I had the pleasure of getting to know [Bernie] toward the last year of his life. It was evident that this was a man a superior character and integrity. He displayed such grace even in the face of such terrible news. His only concern was for his family. His joy was talking about his children and grandchildren and remembering his wife lovingly with much dedication and devotion. –Jan Valentin

Lebanon City Police Department was fortunate to have Bernie Reilly, but others in law enforcement also benefited by Bernie’s knowledge, leadership, and kindness, As a Derry Township Police Officer I was privileged to know Bernie. It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of a Policeman’s Policeman. –Jim Negley

He was a wonderful, sweet, intelligent, loving, family oriented man who told the best stories ever!! –Roni Bentz

When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. –Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Flight to Arras

We sometimes congratulate ourselves at the moment of waking from a troubled dream; it may be so the moment after death. –Nathaniel Hawthorne, Journal, October 25, 1836

Perhaps the best cure for the fear of death is to reflect that life has a beginning as well as an end. There was a time when we were not: this gives us no concern—why then should it trouble us that a time will come when we shall cease to be? –William Hazlitt, Table Talk

Perhaps passing through the gates of death is like passing quietly through the gate in a pasture fence. On the other side, you keep walking, without the need to look back. No shock, no drama, just the lifting of a plank or two in a simple wooden gate in a clearing. Neither pain, nor floods of light, nor great voices, but just the silent crossing of a meadow. –Mark Helprin, A Soldier of the Great War

song heard most recently before posting:
It’s Good (to be Free)—Oasis