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Kevin P. Reilly, Sr., successful businessman, effective political leader, admired philanthropist, and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012 at his home in Baton Rouge, surrounded by his family. He was 84. Born in Boston, Kevin maintained an Irish temperament and a Boston accent throughout his life. He attended The Roxbury Latin School and with the support of a Navy ROTC scholarship, went to Harvard University where he played varsity baseball and was voted MVP his senior year. After graduation, he served honorably for three years as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. In 1953, after only one year at Harvard Business School, he and his young wife DeeDee moved to Baton Rouge where he worked for Lamar Advertising, a small billboard company. With his native intelligence and a drive to succeed, he soon became Lamar's CEO & Chairman, positions he held until 1989, during which time he helped build the business into one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in the nation. After he retired from active management, he continued as Chairman Emeritus, better known at Lamar as the "Eminence Grise." In 1972, having decided that he wanted to make a contribution to his adopted State through public service, Kevin was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. He served District 68 with distinction for 16 years and chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee. As a member of the Young Turks, he attempted to introduce more progressive policies to state government and quickly became known for his outspokenness about Louisiana's needs, which generated the occasional national headline. One of his proudest legislative accomplishments was the creation of a public trust fund, commonly known as 8g. This fund permanently dedicated the proceeds from an oil and gas royalty settlement with the federal government for the benefit of elementary, secondary and higher education. This action was a reflection of his lifelong support for education. In 1992, Kevin was invited to serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Develpment, a position hhe held for nine years under the governorships of both Edwin Edwards and Murphy J. "Mike" Foster. Kevin's brand of philanthropy was highly respected, not only for his enthusiasm as a financial supporter, but especially because he brought the same dynamic leadership that served him in business and politics to the benefit of the nonprofits that were important to him. Among his favorites were the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation, Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, Louisiana Resource Center for Educators (LRCE), and The O'Brien House. In his so-called retirement, Kevin and DeeDee established the Reilly Family Foundation for which Kevin served as President, helping direct philanthropic contributions to numerous nonprofits within the greater Baton Rouge community and far beyond. He was honored on numerous occasions, including the 1985 Volunteers of America Distinguished Service Award, Baton Rouge Business Report Executive of the Year in 1990, and the 2007 LPB Louisiana Legends Award. No honor, however, was more meaningful to him than when the Boston boy and his wife proudly received honorary doctorates from Louisiana State University (LSU), his adopted alma mater, in 2006. In honor of their father's public service, his children established the Kevin P. Reilly, Sr. Chair in Political Communication at LSU's School of Mass Communication. This led to the creation of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs, the only such center in the country to focus on the study and practice of media and public affairs. Throughout his lifetime, Kevin remained dapper, athletic, and engaged in his family and in life, always relishing a good argument -- the more spirited the better, until Parkinson's disease took its toll. Kevin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Switzer (DeeDee) Reilly, four children and their spouses - sons Kevin, Jr. and Winifred; Wendell and Mary; Sean and Jennifer; and daughter Anna and husband Matthew Cullinan--and eleven grandchildren--Ross and Hayden Reilly; Gray, Jamie and Molly Reilly; Anna Maeve, Aidan and Rowan Reilly; Grace, Walker and Julia Cullinan. He is also survived by a sister, Elizabeth Moynihan of Princeton, NJ, and a brother, Gene Reilly of West Newburyport, MA. He was predeceased by his parents, Molly and Gene Reilly, and his brother Brendan Reilly. Kevin was grateful throughout his life for his many friends, partners and mentors. The family is also grateful for those who helped make Kevin's later years as familiar and comfortable as possible. A private service will be held for the family. A reception to celebrate the life and legacy of Kevin Reilly, Sr. will be held for family and friends on November 8th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the City Club of Baton Rouge, 355 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for contributions to The Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs, 222-A Journalism Building, LSU School of Mass Communication, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, The Speech and Hearing Foundation, 535 West Roosevelt Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, Louisiana Resource Center for Educators (LRCE), 5550 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806, O'Brien House, 1220 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Hospice of Greater Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or a charity of your choice. Sign the online Condolence Book at www.rabenhorst.com. "For those to whom much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48.
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A great loss to the Baton Rouge Community but a legacy that continues in all his work and the lives he touched. My deepest sympathy to Sean and the Reilly Family!
Karen "Peaches" Beshears
November 4, 2012
While Kevin and I served in the legislature we often agreed but often disagreed. We always treated each other with respect and courtesy as many in public service could learn to do today.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Murray Hebert
[email protected]
October 31, 2012
Please accept my deepest condolence. Kevin is an inspiration for me and many more.
Li Li
October 30, 2012
Keeping your family in our thoughts and hearts He gave so much to so many. We were all enriched by his efforts. May he rest in peace, Love Fran Ogden and Shaye Ackelsberg
October 30, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Kevin's death. He was so loved and respected and I hope that you all can find peace in the wonderful life that he has lived. I am so lucky to have such wonderful Reilly memories - houseboat trips to Pensacola, campaigning for him in 1972, learning to ski in Vermont and many more. He was the kind of man people wanted to be. My entire family hope that you all find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him. Yours, Becky Mann Arenson
October 30, 2012
Kevin Sr was a tremendous help and blessing to me while I was in Baton Rouge as the CEO of Volunteers of America and I will be grateful forever. My life is far better for having known him and his wonderful family. The entire Riley family is in my thoughts and prayers.
David Cheveallier
October 30, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Kevin, Sr. He was a great man, who lived a very fulfilling and successful life. I know the Reilly family is so proud of him and all that he accomplished. My earliest childhood memories are of the Reilly family when I was a young boy living in Baton Rouge. God bless you all.
R. Wayne Smith III
October 30, 2012
Kevin and Deedee have been friends of my parents since their Harvard days ... many moons ago. They also served as my "surrogate parents" during my years attending LSU and made me feel like part of their wonderful and amazing family. I still laugh at all the funny stories of events or "adventures" that Kevin & Deedee and my parents did together over their 55 year friendship from Boston to Hong Kong! He was an exceptional individual - one that I was so happy to know. My heartfelt condolences to the Reilly family. I know he is keeping my Dad Roy company in heaven right now ... swapping old stories.
Paige Yauger (Smith)
October 30, 2012
So sorry to hear about Kevin He was a very special person. He will be missed he is in a wonderful place at peace. Lov to all. MJ & O
Mary Jane Soule
October 30, 2012
Thoughts & prayers are with you!
God Bless,
Greg Benefield
October 30, 2012
On Sunday, the outdoor advertising industry lost a founder, a giant, and a visionary. He will be missed by so many. Our love and condolences to the extended Reilly family from Nancy Fletcher and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America.
October 29, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lisa Guill
October 29, 2012
Sean,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Truly an exceptional man and THE Patriarch of Baton Rouge. He will be missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom during this difficult time.
Janie Ward
Janie Ward
October 29, 2012
The memorial citing "Secretary Reilly" as having been "dapper" and "serving with distinction" were understatements. I joined the field of economic development in 1996 and found him to be enormously inspiring, passionate about life and missions in life, and an exemplary model in leadership. I offer condolences to his family and friends.
Heather Urena
October 29, 2012
Mr. Kevin P. Reilly,Sr. will be missed by many including myself. My name is Mell and I worked with Mr. Reilly with his ongoing speech challenges. He was a stunning gentleman in looks and ways. He touched my heart each year when he came in for therapeutic advice. My favorite verse to have him recite "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country." Baton Rouge was blessed with such a kind hearted and community serving individual. I am forever thankful for knowing his incredible personality. God Bless Him!!! and his very loving family.
Mell Schexnaildre
October 29, 2012
I worked with Sec. Reilly when he was the Sec. of Economic Development from 1991-2000. I was Chairman of the Louisiana Imports and Exports Trust Authority from 1992-1998 and he was very helpful in assisting me with our efforts. Since I was 27 years old when I was appointed to the chairmanship, Sec. Reilly, his assistant Mike Williams, and head of the LPFA, Paul Gravel, mentored me in the job and gave much sage advice and guidance.
He was a great asset to Louisiana and many of the rewards and benefits being realized today had a foundation laid by Sec. Reilly years ago. We could use more like him.
My regards and prayers to the Reilly family on their loss.
Best,
David R. Crais
Former Chair, Board of Trustees, Louisiana Imports and Exports Trust Authority
New Orleans, LA
David Crais
October 29, 2012
We have such fond memories of Kevin. His charm, wit and generosity will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was deeply committed to his family, his many friends and to his community. Please accept our heart felt condolences. Sincerely, Carolyn and Tom Adams
October 29, 2012
I will always remember and admire Kevin's kindness and support to others. His actions set an excellent example for others to follow. They have influenced my life. May you find peace in the happy memories of Kevin.
Jan Hondzinski
October 28, 2012
Please accept my condolences. May the fond memories of your loved one be a comfort to you, strengthen you and help you to find peace.
Elma Hill's cousin from Baton Rouge -
Clotiel Riley Nelson
October 28, 2012
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