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In memory of

Stephen Carter Reilly

Van Nuys, CA

1933 - December 29, 2020

1933 - Dec 29, 2020

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STEPHEN C. REILLY, 87, of Sherman Oaks, CA, passed away on December 29, 2020 in Sherman Oaks, CA.

Stephen was born in Los Angeles, CA to Charles Louis and Helen Tiffany Reilly on July 14, 1933. He attended Principia High School in St. Louis, MO, Pasadena City College, in Pasadena, CA, and obtained his bachelor’s degree from UCLA. He married Sylvia Leila Egge in 1958 in Los Angeles. A gifted educator, Stephen taught math in Los Angeles Unified School District’s Van Nuys Jr. and Sr. High Schools for more than 3 decades. Affectionately referred to by his fellow teachers as “El Jefe” (The Chief), Stephen was Math Department Head for several years, as well as being active in United Teachers Los Angeles and serving as a UTLA Representative for many years.

Stephen shared a love for classical music with his wife, Sylvia, who was a pianist. They loved live music and, with their children, Michael and Susanna, were regular attendees of concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Coleman Chamber Music Association, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Ojai Festival, and countless other chamber music, vocal, and orchestral performances. Stephen continued supporting the arts after Sylvia’s passing, and when he wasn’t attending a concert, he’d often sit at the piano reading the music of Bach, Chopin, Bartok, and myriad other composers.

As an amateur astronomer, Stephen attended Los Angeles Astronomical Society meetings and brought his family to mountaintop meet-ups, in which members would set up their telescopes so visitors could enjoy different views of the night sky. In 2017, he drove from Los Angeles to Rexburg, Idaho to watch the Solar Eclipse with his fellow LAAS astronomy buffs.

Sports, especially football, were among Stephen’s pastimes. He avidly followed the NFL on TV and enjoyed letting the referees know when they got it wrong. After his retirement, golfing became a leisure activity. His involvement and devotion to UTLA remained strong; he continued attending meetings and supporting his fellow teachers until the year of his passing.

Stephen was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia L. Egge in February 1989, son Michael S. Reilly in June 2008, and sister, Ardienne Neiswonger in June 2020.

He is survived by his daughter, Susanna P. Reilly, son-in-law Michael J. Lighton, grandson Derek M. Lighton, nieces Jill Wright (Neiswonger), Kristi Reimer (Neiswonger), and Wendy Neiswonger, nephews David Neiswonger, James Neiswonger, and Steve Neiswonger, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, no memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Stephen’s name, and supporting public school teachers and local arts organizations.

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