James F. X. O’Reilly, age 85, of Newtown, Conn., passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, March 17, 2022 with his partner of 30 years, Carolyn Settzo, by his side.

He was born on June 26, 1936, to the late Agnes (Daly) and John A. O’Reilly, Sr, and raised in Hartford, Conn. Jim graduated from Bulkeley High School and then attended Trinity College, a mere two blocks from home, where he majored in chemistry. Trinity College played an enormous role in Jim’s life. As a child, he played on the campus with his pals, was a bat boy for the baseball team and water boy for the football team. Enrolling at Trinity was never a question and he was forever appreciative for the quality education Trinity provided.

After graduation, Jim received an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. He was employed by Union Carbide Corporation for 31 years, working in sales, marketing, accounting, business analysis, and team facilitation, while being assigned to offices in New York City, Boston, Cleveland, and Danbury.

As the child of an educator, he never stopped learning, growing, or asking questions. In retirement Jim used his business acumen, volunteering for various organizations. He loved golf, reading The New York Times cover to cover, and traveling in support of his lifelong pursuit, an affordable bottle of quality wine. This came second only to his greatest passion, meeting new people. Jim could turn a total stranger into a friend in a matter of minutes and many a restaurateur became a friend for life.

In addition to Carolyn, Jim is survived by his children, Colleen Garvey (Bill); Kelly Martin; Sean O’Reilly (Laura); Heather McCollough (John); Kerry Feierabend (Erich); and Shavaun Mullane (Tim); his sister, Marybeth Walsh; Carolyn’s brother, Alan Settzo (Anne Marie); as well as 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jim was predeceased by his brother, John A. O’Reilly, Jr.

Friends may call at 10 am on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. A Memorial Service will follow at Honan Funeral Home at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to Trinity College, Office of Advancement, 300 Summit Street, Hartford CT 06106.