Thomas Charles O'Reilly

Thomas Charles O'Reilly (February 22, 1873 – March 25, 1938) was a Roman Catholic bishop.

O'Reilly was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Patrick and Delia (née Readdy) O'Reilly. After attending Spencerian Business College (1887-1888), he studied at St. Ignatius College (1889-1893) and St. Mary's Seminary (1893-1894) in Cleveland. He then furthered his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.^[1] He was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Francesco di Paola Cassetta on June 4, 1898.^[2] In 1899 he earned a Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Propaganda University.

Upon returning to Ohio, he served as a curate at St. John's Cathedral until 1901, when he became professor of dogmatic theology at St. Mary's Seminary. He earned a Doctor of Laws in 1909 from the University of Notre Dame. He was chancellor (1909-1916) and vicar general (1916-1921) of the Diocese of Cleveland before serving as pastor of the Church of St. John the Evangelist.^[1]

On December 19, 1927, O'Reilly was appointed the third Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania, by Pope Pius XI.^[2] He received his episcopal consecration on February 16, 1928 from Cardinal Dennis Joseph Dougherty, with Bishops Joseph Schrembs and Bernard Joseph Mahoney serving as co-consecrators.^[2] During his tenure, he established seven parishes and fourteen schools in the diocese, despite the economic ravages of the Great Depression.^[3]

However, the increased burden of responsibility took its toll on his health, and his tenure was correspondingly shortened.^[3] O'Reilly later died in Miami Beach, Florida, aged 65.^[1]

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