Paul Francis O’Reilly, age 83 of Hardinsburg, KY, passed away May 17, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born in Hardinsburg, KY on March 26, 1943, one of nine children of the late Jasper and Anastasia O’Donoghue O’Reilly. Paul was a member of St. Romuald Catholic Church where he served in many capacities over the years – finance committee, school board, parish council, RCIA and early marriage encounter sponsorship. He retired from the Breckinridge County Board of Education in 1994. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Brescia University and his Masters and Rank I from Western Kentucky University. Paul was a well liked educator, having worked at Peonia Elementary, Ben Johnson Elementary, Principal at Irvington Elementary, Milner Elementary and Breckinridge County High School. He was the school newspaper sponsor and his favorite class was AP History.
Once he retired, he stayed very busy farming – raising cattle and tobacco. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed squirrel hunting, fishing, feeding and watching wildlife on his farm. He was a devoted husband to Anne, a loving and proud father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were important to him, especially cooking out and enjoying a meal with the people he loved. He enjoyed the outdoors and long walks with Anne.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Lucille Mattingly, Mary Lillian Roberts, Pauline O’Reilly, Tom O’Reilly, Joe O’Reilly, Earl O’Reilly, Charlie O’Reilly and Herbert O’Reilly.
Paul is survived by his wife Anne. They were married December 27, 1966.
Four children: Bryan O’Reilly of Hardinsburg, KY; Stacy O’Reilly (James Napier) of Indianapolis, IN; Sarah Rebar (Chris) of Hardinsburg, KY and Eric O’Reilly (Faville Donahue) of Lawrenceburg, KY
Five grandchildren: Zoe, Rhys, Colette, Anson and Lilith.
Many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Romuald Catholic Church on Thursday, May 19, 2026, at 11 AM with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at Trent-Dowell Funeral Home on Wednesday, 3:30 – 8 PM and Thursday after 8:30 AM. All times are central.
A prayer service will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday.
Expressions of sympathy are suggested to St. Romuald School.