David R. Reilly, age 64, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at Theda Care in Neenah.
Dave was born on July 5, 1961 in Manitowoc to the late Richard and Marjorie (Schaus) Reilly. He graduated from Two Rivers Washington High School with the class of 1979. After high school, Dave worked as a drywall finisher for Norm Ringmeier Drywall for over 30 years. He then went on to work for the City of Manitowoc Parks Department taking care of grounds maintenance at the Manitowoc Marina before becoming a bridge tender for nearly a decade. On May 4, 2002, Dave married Sue Besaw at Holy Innocents Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors, playing cards (sheepshead & cribbage), and telling the occasional tall tale. David was an avid volleyball and softball player. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include Dave’s wife of 23 years, Sue; daughter, Jordan, and her significant other, Ashton Portmann; three siblings, Missy Laurin, Debby (Eric) Zimmer, and Richard (Vicky) Reilly; mother-in-law, Jean Thompson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sherryl (Leonard) Meyers, Sandra (James) Jarrell, and Brian (Sandy) Schroeder; also, other relatives and friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marjorie Reilly; son, Jacob; and father-in-law, Gregory Besaw.
A funeral service led by Lisa Novachek with shared stories and memories will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. A dinner for family and friends will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial to take place at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Dave’s name.
Dave’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the City of Manitowoc Police and Fire Departments for their care and assistance.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair Streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
