DEARBORN — Former Mayor John “Jack” B. O’Reilly Jr. passed away on Jan. 1 at the age of 76 according to a Facebook post from the city that had been shared from O’Reilly’s son, Devon.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John B. O’Reilly Jr., who died peacefully January 1st, 2025 listening to his favorite music and poems while surrounded by family,” the post read. “Known by most simply as ‘Jack’, he was a true son of Dearborn. Having served as City Council president for seventeen years and mayor of Dearborn for fifteen, he dedicated nearly his entire life to public service and the city he cared most about.”
O’Reilly became mayor in 2007 when former Mayor Michael Guido died of pancreatic cancer and he was elected to full terms in 2009, 2013 and 2017. Prior to his appointment to finish out Guido’s term, O’Reilly had been City Council president since 1990.
“A tireless advocate for enhancing the communities of Southeastern Michigan, he was active in numerous organizations including the Michigan Municipal League, Downriver Community Conference, United States Conference of Mayors, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Conference of Western Wayne, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Urban Core Mayors,” the post stated. “His years of public service extended beyond the local level to meaningful contributions he made at both the state and federal government. He inherited his dedication to public service from his father, John B. O’Reilly Sr., who served as both chief of police and mayor for the city of Dearborn previously. Jack lived a rich and fulfilled life with his wife of forty-eight years, Christina, their three sons, Devon (Melissa), Sean (Ronit), Dylan (Natlija), along with his five grandchildren: Kai, Quinn, Madison, Connor and Henry.”
O’Reilly had announced at the beginning of 2021 that he would not seek re-election and in July 2021 he had cited health-related issues that were impacting his “ability to attend public engagements” and make public comments, but that he had been fulfilling “administrative responsibilities required in the Dearborn City Charter” after facing criticism for his absence during the COVID-19 pandemic and the June 2021 flooding that impacted an estimated 10,000 residents.
It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of former Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr., known to so many as ‘Jack.’ A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jack’s unwavering dedication to Dearborn and its people will forever be remembered. – Mayor Abdullah Hammoud
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of former Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr., known to so many as ‘Jack,’” Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said in a statement. “A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jack’s unwavering dedication to Dearborn and its people will forever be remembered. His legacy as a public servant, having served as both City Council president and mayor for over three decades, stands as a testament to his love for this community. Jack’s tireless advocacy helped shape the city and region in many ways we know today. My thoughts are with his wife, Christina, their three sons and his grandchildren during this difficult time. Jack’s impact on Dearborn is immeasurable, and we are grateful for the foundation of service and care he built for generations to come.”
City Council President Mike Sareini told The Arab American News that he and his family are deeply saddened to learn of O’Reilly’s passing.
“With over three decades of dedicated service, including 15 years as mayor, he left a lasting legacy of leadership, community development and public service,” he said. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in O’Reilly’s name be made to Dearborn Education Foundation or Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit. Information regarding a public memorial service is expected to be shared within the coming days.
Mayors of Dearborn since its founding:
Mayor – Year of taking office:
- Clyde Ford – 1927
- John Carey – 1935
- Orville Hubbard – 1942
- John O’Reilly Sr. – 1978
- Michael Guido – 1986
- John O’Reilly Jr. – 2007
- Abdullah Hammoud – 2022
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