Frank D. “Buck” O’Reilly, III – Obituary

Frank D. “Buck” O’Reilly, III
Frank D. “Buck” O’Reilly, III
Frank D. “Buck” O’Reilly, III, 76, of 38 Daisy Lane, Mill Hall, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 at his home.

Buck was born in Lock Haven on November 14, 1940, the son of the late Frank D. O’Reilly, Jr. and Margaret Harmon. He was raised to be an “Irish gentleman” by his father and grandfather, Frank D. O’Reilly, Sr.

He married the former Suzanne McConnell, whom survives.  They recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

Buck attended Andover Academy of Massachusetts before enrolling at Lock Haven High School, graduating in the class of 1958.  He continued his studies at Yale University, graduating in 1962.

In Buck’s early adult years he worked at the family-owned Lock Haven Express and later was sports reporter with the Associated Press in Los Angeles. He returned to Lock Haven in the 1980s and served as the sports information director at Lock Haven University. In 1993 he became co-owner and editor of The Record newspaper, a position he retained until 1999 when he returned as a sports writer at the Lock Haven Express until his retirement.

During his tenure with The Record he was recognized for his efforts in resurrecting what at the time was a struggling Renovo-oriented newspaper. The paper had not been functioning from a position of economic strength when Buck assumed financial and editorial responsibilities. He was able to make the paper a successful county newspaper, assuring its economic viability into the future. He was noted for his crisp, concise writing style and an acerbic wit in his weekly Record columns.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Patrick O’Reilly and Andrew B. Stone; three daughters, Erin O’Reilly, Shelly Stone, Mary Stone Kline and S. Elisabeth Stone Webb; and a sister-in-law, Betsy McConnell Hunt.

In addition to his parents, Buck was preceded in death by two special aunts, Sally O’Reilly Loria and Winnie Harmon Fredericks.

Per Buck’s wishes, private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, Pa 17745.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com

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