Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. (left) and Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko answer questions from the audience during the Jan. 14, 2020, Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Tale of Our Cities luncheon.
DEARBORN — John O’Reilly Jr., the city’s sixth mayor, died Jan. 1. He was 76 years old.
He died “peacefully … listening to his favorite music and poems while surrounded by family,” according to a statement released by his son, Devon O’Reilly.
“Jack” O’Reilly served as mayor from 2007 to 2021, after being appointed interim mayor following the death of Mayor Michael Guido in 2006, until a special election could be held. He served as City Council president from 1990 to 2007.
He was the son of former Police Chief and Mayor John O’Reilly Sr., who held office from 1978 to 1985.
O’Reilly Jr. leaves his wife of 48 years, Christina; three sons, Devon (Melissa), Sean (Ronit) and Dylan (Natlija); and five grandchildren, Kai, Quinn, Madison, Connor, and Henry.
The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dearborn Education Foundation or Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit.
Flags at all city buildings have been lowered out of respect for the former mayor.
Devon O’Reilly’s statement continued:
“Known by most simply as ‘Jack’, he was a true son of Dearborn. Having served as City Council President for seventeen years and Mayor of Dearborn for fifteen, he dedicated nearly his entire life to public service and the city he cared most about.
“A tireless advocate for enhancing the communities of Southeastern Michigan, he was active in numerous organizations including the Michigan Municipal League, Downriver Community Conference, United States Conference of Mayors, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Conference of Western Wayne, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Urban Core Mayors.
“His years of public service extended beyond the local level to meaningful contributions he made at both the State and Federal Government. He inherited his dedication to public service from his father, John B. O’Reilly Sr., who served as both Chief of Police and Mayor for the city of Dearborn previously.”
Current Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who succeeded O’Reilly in 2022, issued a statement:
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of former Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr., known to so many as ‘Jack’.
“A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jack’s unwavering dedication to Dearborn and its people will forever be remembered. His legacy as a public servant, having served as both City Council President and Mayor for over three decades, stands as a testament to his love for this community. Jack’s tireless advocacy helped shape the city and region in many ways we know today.
“My thoughts are with his wife, Christina, their three sons, and his grandchildren during this difficult time.
“Jack’s impact on Dearborn is immeasurable, and we are grateful for the foundation of service and care he built for generations to come.”