Samuel "Sam" A. Reilly, Jr., 77, of Thunderbird Road in Liverpool, died Tuesday at Crouse Hospital. Sam was born and raised on the South side of Chicago, IL and resided all over the country throughout his military career until settling in Liverpool in 1972. At the height of the Cold War, Sam was assigned to remote Alaskan radar sites to monitor U-2 spy flights in addition to other tasks related to National Security. He was the son of the late Samuel A. and the late Bernice (Murphy) Reilly. Sam graduated from St. Leo's Catholic School and went on to become a master tech sergeant for the US Air Force veteran serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He worked as a radar specialist for over 20 years at several Air Force Bases but primarily at Hancock International Base in Syracuse. In addition to his military career, Sam raised and sold tropical fish at Amber's Aquatic Animals; he also worked for Crucible Steel and the Miller Brewing Company before operating Syracuse Movers, Inc. Sam was a member of the USAF color guard, an avid painter, a poet and photographer. He was referred to as "the picture man" and was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church.

He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, the former Amber L. Reilly, in 1997. Surviving are his three children: Samuel A. III (Josephine) of Central Square, John M. (Carrie) of Eastwood and Cynthia L. (Christopher) Allis of Liverpool; one aunt, Laverne Rickman of Rhinelander, WI; four grandchildren, Samuel, Nicholas, Brenden, and Ella; and other relatives throughout the country.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Krueger Funeral Home Inc., 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church of Cicero. Burial will follow in North Syracuse Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Salvation Army or to the Mattydale S. P. C. A. For more information and to sign the guest book, please visit www.kruegerfh.com Krueger Funeral Home, Inc.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard on March 4, 2010