John Bernard Reilly

John Bernard Reilly was born in New York City, to Pat and Nan Reilly, on December 20th 1947. He passed away peacefully on March 23rd, 2021 in Metairie, Louisiana. He was 74 years old. 

John moved to New Orleans shortly after a tour in Vietnam. After serving in the Air Force, he became an exotic fish dealer, but was soon swept up in the booming nightlife of the early 70s. 

He was a straight-out-of-central casting, bow-tied, mustachioed bartender who loved entertaining and making people feel welcome.

John loved animals and spent many nights bringing food to stray cats (and probably a few enterprising raccoons). His true passion was for German Shepherds, of which he had several throughout his life. 

Near his death, he told his son, “I have lived a great life. I don’t have any regrets. Except maybe selling my Impala. That was a great car.” It was a pretty sweet convertible. 

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Lott Reilly, his son, Chad lott, and a German Shepherd, Shotsy. Brenda’s sister Glenda Lott Renaudin and her partner Jack Rabitto were his true and close friends, helping care for him during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Louisiana SPCA. 

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