Obituary of Patrick Chandler O'Reilly

LAKE GEORGE: Patrick Chandler O’Reilly, 83, of Lake George, NY, and Sarasota, FL, passed away on May 27, 2025, in Morgantown, West Virginia, following a long illness, with his daughter by his side.

Pat was born on August 1, 1941, at Glens Falls Hospital to the late Gordon and Helen (Warren) O’Reilly. He was a proud descendant of the Zopher Isaac DeLong family—whose historic DeLong House is part of the Chapman Museum in Glens Falls, NY.

Pat grew up in Binghamton, NY, and spent summers on the east shore of Lake George, a tradition he cherished from childhood. He attended the Virginia Military Institute prior to college and later enrolled at Iowa State University, where he was a member of the wrestling team during their 1963–1964 national championship season. He graduated with a degree in education.

While spending a summer at his parents’ home in Lake George, Pat met Barbara Bement, who was visiting on a girls’ trip. Their connection quickly blossomed into a deep and lasting love that led to 58 wonderful years of marriage. The couple were married on June 4, 1966.

Pat dedicated 30 years to teaching in the Canton City School District, where he taught physical education, industrial arts, driver’s education, and health. He also shared his passion for wrestling by coaching and mentoring countless students over the years.

In 1970, Pat and Barb built a cottage on Lake George, which became their cherished summer retreat. No matter where life took him, Lake George always held his heart.

After retiring in June of 1999, Pat and Barb enjoyed their days split between summers at the lake and winters in Sarasota, Florida, where they embraced the warmth and sunshine.

Pat was a true optimist who always looked on the bright side of life. He was known for his kindness—his family cannot recall a time he ever spoke ill of anyone. Pat had a quiet but powerful presence, making a lasting impact on the many young people he taught, coached, or simply welcomed into his life, including friends of his children and neighborhood kids.

He had an incredible instinct for understanding people—often knowing what someone needed before they even asked. Though not a man of many words, when he did speak, his words were thoughtful, sincere, and often just what someone needed to hear. Pat was a natural mentor, offering guidance, encouragement, and support—whether it was helping with homework, teaching a child to swim, or simply being a steady, reassuring presence.

Pat also had a gregarious side, striking up a conversation with all who walked or drove by his house.  On sunny days, but where rain had been predicted, he would shout “we’ve got a bonus day!” When people would walk by in the evening, headed to dinner or to the village, Pat would shout, “You’ve got curfew!”  When his neighbor would leave for school in the morning, Pat would rapidly flick all the lights on and off and wave with both arms.  All friends, old and new, would be invited to sit by their bonfire or watch fireworks from their deck.

Pat taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and for many years served as a water ski instructor with Tom Roach’s Ski School on Lake George. He loved attending cross country meets and was an avid football fan—especially of the New England Patriots. Still, when asked who he was rooting for, he’d often say with a smile, “I just want to see a good game.”

Pat embraced his playful spirit as “Pirate Pat,” a beloved character he created who became a fixture on Lake George. From the shore, he would entertain passengers aboard the Minnie Ha Ha's 7:30 p.m. cruise, firing a cannon he had purchased especially for the role. In return, the Minnie Ha Ha would answer back with a cannon blast of its own. Over time, that nightly voyage became known as the Pirate Cruise—thanks in large part to Pat’s infectious enthusiasm and creativity.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Barb, Pat was predeceased by his brothers, Peter O’Reilly and William O’Reilly.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Erin O’Reilly and Sean O’Reilly; his cousin, Gwynne DeLong; and his “second son,” Seth Harris.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Caldwell Presbyterian Church of Lake George, 71 Montcalm Street, Lake George, NY 12845.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.