Patrick J. Rielly

North Greenbush - Patrick J. Rielly, 75, died Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Troy, Patrick was the son of the late John T. and Shirley Knight Rielly, and the loving husband of Suzanne (Susie) Hunt Rielly to whom he was married for 48 years. He was raised in Watervliet and was a long-time resident of North Greenbush. Patrick graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1964, and, after serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, graduated from Siena College in 1974 with his Bachelor's in Accounting.

Patrick began his career in banking at KeyBank in 1970, where, over the course of 27 years, he rose through the ranks to the position of Senior Vice President.  During that time, he was introduced to the life-changing work of the Center for Disability Services, and found his calling to service and volunteerism, serving the organization in many capacities, including as the Chairman of the Telethon and Chairman of the Board.  In the Spring of 1988, the Center for Disability Services honored Pat by dedicating a group residential home in his name: The Rielly House in Delmar, NY.  In 1998, Pat retired from his career in banking when he was presented with the opportunity to work for the Center.  He served as Director of the Commercial Services Division and Chief Operating Officer, retiring in 2011.

Patrick was a faithful parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Troy, NY, where he and Suzanne enjoyed worship and fellowship for more than 40 years, and celebrated their daughters’ baptisms, confirmations and marriages.  Over the years, he served as Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Vestry member and head of the Finance Committee.  The St. John’s parish held a very special place in Pat’s heart.  

Patrick was an avid fan of Siena Basketball, and, as a season ticket holder, enjoyed cheering the team on alongside his best friend, Eddie.  He enjoyed spending summer days at the Saratoga Race Course, and had a reputation as the world’s best handicapper but worst bettor.  He had a seat at Shamrock’s Saloon in North Greenbush where he was affectionately known as “Hoops”.  But his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren.  “Poppy” could often be found at East Greenbush softball games cheering on his granddaughters’ teams, cooking spaghetti and meatball family dinners, rocking and singing to his young grandsons, and enjoying family vacations in Cape Cod, Anna Maria, and Charleston. 

Survivors in addition to his wife include three treasured daughters, Meghan (Douglas) Keenholts, East Greenbush, Bethany (Michael) Wallace, North Greenbush and Keira (David) VanVranken, East Greenbush, and his cherished grandchildren, Ellie, Saige, Tate, Oliver, Connor, Will and Owen.  He was the beloved older brother of Michael J. (MaryEllen) Rielly, Kathleen (John) Mazzariello and Andrea (Brian) Harris and brother-in-law of Cynthia (Peter) Glass, Lucinda (George) Pieper, Melissa (Donald) Gilligan, Jon F. Hunt, and the late David L. Hunt.  He is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews, who will dearly miss their “Uncle Pat.”  

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 4-7 PM.

Funeral service will be held Friday at 10 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church 146 First Street Troy with Rev. Judith Malionek, Rector, officiating. Face covering and social distancing are required.

Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Patrick Rielly to the Center for Disability Services, 314 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208 or St. John's Episcopal Church, 146 First Street Troy, NY 12180.

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