CLEARFIELD – Public figures, family members and friends of the late Honorable Judge John K. Reilly Jr. gathered for the unveiling of his memorial plaque Friday at the Clearfield County Courthouse.
The plaque was placed under the late judge’s portrait and unveiled by his sister, Betsy Reilly Lewin of Brooklyn, NY, his wife, Mary Ann Reilly and his son, Thomas J. Reilly of Spring Grove. His portrait was painted by his brother-in-law, Ted Lewin.
Before the unveiling of the plaque, Clearfield County Commissioner John A. Sobel spoke about Reilly’s background before turning the ceremony over to Clearfield County President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman and Honorable Judge Paul E. Cherry.
Ammerman said as a young attorney, he was in complete awe of Reilly while going before him for years.
“I learned a lot from him,” said Ammerman. He also added that he misses Reilly.
Cherry said the memorial plaque was long overdue, and he appreciated everything Reilly had done for him. He said he’s had two role models – his father and Reilly. Cherry also noted that Reilly stood for him when he was sworn into the bar; afterward, Reilly guided and encouraged him to be the best attorney he could be.
Honorable Judge Charles C. Brown of Centre County also attended the unveiling in memory of Reilly. He said he cherished and still continues to cherish their friendship.
The late judge’s son thanked everyone for attending the unveiling.
“I have a lot to be thankful for having him as my father,” said Thomas J. Reilly. He added that his father enjoyed his job immensely as well as its camaraderie.
Reilly was elected district attorney from 1964-1974 and was president of the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association from 1972-73. In 1975 he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas and served in that position until 2005 and was the first judge to ever succeed himself in Clearfield County.
He was a member of the PA Bar Association for 50 years and a member of the PA Judicial Conference where he served on the Ethics Committee for a number of years, according to a previous GantDaily.com article following his passing in September of 2011.
