Sean Thomas Reilly

Sean Thomas Reilly, age 18, of New Hartford, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2005 after an unselfish and courageous battle with Rhabdomyo-sarcoma. His loving family was by his side at the time of his passing. Born in New Hartford on July 6, 1987, Sean was the son of Thomas Reilly and Karen (Rosato) Wrate. Raised and educated in New Hartford, he was a member of the graduating class of 2005 of New Hartford High School. Full of life, enthusiasm, and energy, Sean focused his heart, his affection, his activities, and his time upon his family and friends. He had an engaging and unique sense of humor, which he often used to deal with difficult situations, such as his frequent comment, "crack head," which he always meant in a light-hearted and joking way. Gifted with a sensitive, loving and generous nature, he also possessed a competitive spirit which gave him a real edge in the sports he loved so much. As a participant in both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, he played on several championship teams, and he also enjoyed Pop Warner football. He was a member of New Hartford Modified Cross Country Team. He had recently undertaken a new sport, golf, and was honored by the one and only time that he challenged the fairways with his father. Along with his many athletic activities and his tendency to be always "on the move," Sean also had a quiet and reflective side to his personality, and this aspect of his nature was the source of many philosophical beliefs which guided his life. For the most part, although he kept these ideas and thoughts to himself, yet the way in which he incorporated them into each moment of every day was an inspiration to all who knew him. For instance, his personal motto, "Always believe," not only defined his character, his attitude, his motivation, and his influence upon others, but it also provided a constant source of support, hope, and comfort to him, even during the course of his illness. Sean worked during the summer for the New Hartford School District. He also was employed for some time with his mother and his sister at Zogby International. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his father. He was a communicant and altar server at St. Thomas Church. Possessing a real passion for automobiles, Sean was very excited about owning a Chevy S10 truck, the purchase of which was made possible with funding granted to him by the Robert Esche Save of the Day Foundation. Meticulous, thorough, and scrupulous in the truck's maintenance, cleanliness, and appearance, he made immediate plans to customize the vehicle in accordance with his own design. Using parts and materials that he was able to purchase with a contribution from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Sean worked with diligence and creativity on customizing the exterior, the interior, the stereo/music system, and all other aspects of the project. His dedication, his determination, and his desire to build "his dream truck" were evident in the intricate details and the ultimate vision of his plan. In fact, it is likely that his endeavors to accomplish this project provided him with focus and motivation, factors that were instrumental in supporting his brave fight against his illness, and perhaps even in extending his life. Sean is survived by his parents, Karen and Dennis Wrate of New Hartford, and Thomas Reilly of Utica, Thomas' soul mate, Desiree Tilbe, and her daughter, Mariah. His survivors also include his siblings, Ashley Reilly, and twins, Kimberly and Jared Wrate, all of New Hartford. In addition, he is survived by his maternal grandfather, Robert Rosato of Utica; his paternal grandmother, Ruth Reilly of New Hartford; his step-grandparents, Janet and Charles Raehm of Utica; his aunts and uncles, Kathy and Shane Berge of New Hartford, Bob and Donna Rosato of Utica, Patricia and Ron Holt of New Hartford, Maureen Ellis of SC, Walter Reilly of MO, and Terry and John Howard of New Hartford; many special great-aunts and great-uncles; a number of step-aunts and step-uncles; numerous cousins, especially Katie Berge and her fianc, Ken Pratt, Ryan Berge, Shane Berge, Ronnie Holt, and Joey Ellis; and his great-cousin, Kylie Rose Pratt, his special "little Angel." Sean also leaves many friends who will miss him very much, including Walter "Mr. Hilley" Hilley, Chris Hilley, Mike Winston, and Rob Burns. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Rosemary (Rinaldi) Rosato; and his paternal grandfather, Walter E. Reilly. The family offers its heartfelt gratitude to Nurse Practitioner Zarina Smith and to the staff of 5C at SUNY Upstate, all of whom provided the comfort and support of their compassion and dedication to Sean and his family. Thanks also to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., especially Melissa Philo, for their professional and loving care. In addition, a special thank-you is extended to "Uncle Russ" Schmitt for his kindness and dedication in helping Sean with his automobiles. Visitation was held on Monday from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Sean's Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated this morning (Tuesday) at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Utica. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Sean Thomas Reilly

July 6, 1987 - November 25, 2005