Patrick's Gone Back to the Barracks.

[Patrick was one of my first seriously committed and strongest partners. We did things in Chico and Dublin (Ireland) that I still can't talk about today for fear of being run in for them. The beautiful Dublin girls used to call his mews flat on Baggot Lane, around from the Intercontinental Hotel, 'the Barracks.' But he was a lovely man and will hold a joyous place in my remembrance of things past as long as I live. Love you, man. --mc]

Patrick R. Reilley

SEPTEMBER 16, 1950 ~ MAY 16, 2010

ROCKLAND, MAINE - On Sunday, May 16th,, 2010, Rockland resident Patrick Reilley lost his long struggle against cancer. Patrick and his wife, Susanne Ward, moved from California in 1991, starting Second Read Books & Coffee on Main Street. Much to everyone’s surprise, the business found a loyal following, and in 1999, Reilley and Ward began Rock City Coffee Roasters. Second Read subsequently became Rock City Books & Coffee. Patrick loved his new career as a coffee roaster and prided himself on roasting some of the finest coffees available.

Patrick was born in San Francisco, the grandson of Irish immigrants. He spent part of his early years in school in Ireland and returned again to live there as a young man for a few years. He was pleased to have recently received his dual citizenship for Ireland and the United States.

Patrick had many civic interests. During his nearly twenty years in Rockland, he served on the City Council, the Planning Board and the Rockland Library PLEA board. He was keenly interested in Rockland’s revival and took great joy in being a part of it. His many interests also included art, books, music and old English motorcycles. He was an accomplished painter and spent the first part of his life as an art framer and gallery owner.

Patrick was known as a keenly intelligent, generous and kind man. He was well-loved by people on both coasts. One of his longtime friends said of Patrick, “ I remember his impeccable taste in everything—in clothing, in music and art…. His erudition was formidable, yet he never flaunted it.”

Despite his illness, Patrick was invariably cheerful, optimistic and concerned about other people. He loved his adopted state and found great beauty in this coastal region. He is survived by his wife Susanne Ward; his daughter Siobhan Reilley and her husband Jeff Fletcher; his daughter Quillan Reilley Donnis and her husband Beau Donnis; his grandson Simon Fletcher; and his siblings Larry Reilley, Terry Westlake, Michael Reilley and Bonnie Walker, all of California. He also leaves many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Rockland Library PLEA, P.O. Box 18, Rockland, ME 04841 or the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 . A celebration of his life will be held in mid-June at the family home.