News Summary
George William Reilly, a beloved educator and community leader from North Providence, Rhode Island, passed away at 82. Known for his dedication to teaching and mentoring, Reilly spent 32 years at Smithfield High School. He played vital roles in community service and was active in church activities, leaving an enduring legacy in education and the local community.
North Providence, Rhode Island – George William Reilly, a respected educator and community leader, passed away at the age of 82, surrounded by his family. His legacy as an influential teacher and mentor will be remembered by many in the education sector and throughout the community.
Born as the fifth of six children to Florence and John Reilly, George grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island. He graduated from La Salle Academy and pursued higher education at Providence College, where he earned his degree in 1965 while also working nights at Sanford’s Liquor Store to support his tuition.
Reilly dedicated 32 years of his career to teaching English at Smithfield High School, where he made significant contributions as the chair of the English Department. His impact extended beyond the classroom; he affectionately became known as “GWR” to his students and offered instruction in subjects ranging from Shakespeare to Journalism. He was instrumental in helping struggling students achieve their educational goals, often assisting them until they earned their passing grades.
In addition to his teaching duties, Reilly was the first faculty advisor for Smithfield High’s yearbook, the Anvil, which he oversaw for a decade. He also initiated the school’s first Academic Decathlon team and played a pivotal mentoring role to numerous young teachers. His leadership extended into the Rhode Island labor movement for public school teachers, where he held positions in the National Education Association and served as an executive board member of the statewide union.
A testament to his contributions to education, Reilly was inducted into the Smithfield High School Hall of Fame in 2024. He remained active after retiring in 1998, writing a weekly “Veterans Column” for the Providence Journal for 20 years and volunteering as the head judge for the Rhode Island State Spelling Bee.
In his local community, Reilly was deeply involved with his Catholic faith. He served as a CCD teacher and lector at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston, and participated in the church’s Holy Name Society, bocce league, and annual feast. His commitment to family was paramount; he was married to Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Reilly for 54 years, having met her while teaching at Smithfield High School. Together, they welcomed four grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply and lovingly referred to as “Papa.”
Reilly is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Reilly) Donabedian and her husband David of Providence, and his son Christopher Reilly and his wife Jen (Iamarone) of Attleboro, Massachusetts. He leaves behind his sisters Carole Leach of Coventry and Mary McDonald of Jamestown, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Jack and Bob, and sister Florence (Snooky).
A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2025, at Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in George Reilly’s memory can be made to the Our Lady of Grace Memorial Society in Johnston, Rhode Island. His contributions to education and his community have left a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come.
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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
