News Summary
The Hilton Head community is grieving the loss of Tom Reilley, the founder of the beloved Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and a local entrepreneur. Reilley, who opened Reilley’s Grill and Bar over 35 years ago, expanded his restaurant empire to eight venues across the island. His contributions to the local spirit and hospitality earned him recognition, including the John Curry Tourism Award. Local leaders remember him as a steadfast supporter of community initiatives and an influential figure in Hilton Head’s cultural landscape.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – The Hilton Head community is grieving the loss of Tom Reilley, a significant local figure and the founder of the Island’s beloved Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, who passed away over the weekend. His contributions to the community and his role as a husband and father have left a strong impact on the lives of many in the Lowcountry.
Reilley, whose first establishment was Reilley’s Grill and Bar over 35 years ago, turned his entrepreneurial vision into reality, expanding to an empire of eight restaurants across the island, including well-known venues such as The Crazy Crab and Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe. His success in the restaurant industry earned him recognition, culminating in the prestigious John Curry Tourism Award awarded by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was first launched in 1983, and it has become one of the most cherished events in Hilton Head, drawing over 25,000 attendees each year. It holds the title of South Carolina’s oldest parade and has become a hallmark of the community’s celebrations, exemplifying Reilley’s vision of fostering local spirit and camaraderie.
Local leaders are expressing their condolences and honoring Reilley’s legacy. Hilton Head’s mayor, Alan Perry, acknowledged Reilley as a great man, emphasizing his commitment to family and unwavering support for the community. Bill Miles, the president and CEO of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, praised Reilley for his “legendary hospitality” and recognized his lasting influence, which was built on hard work and character.
The John Curry Tourism Award honors those whose dedication has significantly shaped Hilton Head Island’s tourism landscape, with only three individuals receiving this accolade since its inauguration ten years ago. In his acceptance speech for the award, Reilley remarked on the honor it represented and reflected on the importance of community and service.
In addition to Reilley, the annual ball also recognized other outstanding contributions to the local community. The Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award was given to Al Stokes, while the Outstanding Organization of the Year Award went to Second Helpings & Palmetto Breeze. Other distinctions included Don Ryan Center for Innovation awarded Business Council Member of the Year, Aunt Laurie’s recognized as Small Business of the Year, and Kate Clark, honored as Hilton Head Preparatory School Upper School Math Teacher. The Zonta Woman of the Year Award was presented to Alex Joseph, while Emory Campbell was designated as the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Reilley’s influence on Hilton Head extends beyond his business ventures; he is remembered as a steadfast supporter of many local initiatives that enhanced the vibrancy of the community. His dedication to family and the spirit of hospitality he embodied will leave an enduring legacy as the community mourns his passing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Transforms Former Aunt Chilada’s Site into Parking
Diane Reilley Named Grand Marshal of Hilton Head Island’s 40th St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Well-Known Hilton Head Island Man Passes Away
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: Our Guiding Light – IrishFest Founder Passes Away
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island news
- Island Packet: Business News
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island community
- Legacy: Claire Brennan Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Dignity Memorial: Thomas Wynne Obituary
- Google News: Thomas Reilley Hilton Head Island
