Patrick Reilly

All that is known of Patrick’s youth is that he was born in Chicago. The most complete documentation of his military service exists on the application for a military headstone. It was submitted by the U.S. Naval Home at 24th and Grays Ferry Avenue in Philadelphia where Patrick lived his last 20 years.

That document shows he first enlisted in the Army in October of 1896, a remarkable fact considering he was 12 years old at the time. He obviously lied about his age, and there is nothing more to shed light on what he did or where he was until his discharge in November of 1899.

After three years he must have decided life on the sea would be better, so Private Reilly joined the Navy that same month. He remained there as a Water Tender, 1st Class until 1907. Then, after a six year gap, he came back as a sailor from October, 1913 to October, 1933 when he decided to retire.

In April of 1942 Patrick registered for the draft as a 58-year-old unemployed resident of Brooklyn, New York. He listed a roommate at the same address as his contact person. He was recalled to active duty that August, apparently at the same job and rating. The Muster Roll shows he was assigned to the Naval Air Facility in  Mineola, New York for the duration. His final  discharge came in June of 1945 as Boilerman 1st Class.

Since the Navy was his real family, Patrick chose to live at the Naval Home until his death in 1966. He is one of six Notable Burials in this cemetery because of the dedication proven by his participation in three wars. The others are William Bauman, Fred Bockstahler, John Guthrie, William Scholls, and Fred Short.