Playgroud Dedication

In 2001 at Tim's memorial service we asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Timothy E. Reilly memorial fund.

Tim's sister Kathleen Reilly organized the construction of a playground in Tim's honor at Holy Rosary School in Port Chester New York - where Tim's mom Claire teaches. The playground was officially opened just in time for the first day of school in 2002. Below is the transcript of the opening ceremony covered by News 12.

The Reilly Family would like to sincerely thank all those who have given to the fund.

School playground honors 9/11 victim

Who says going "back to school" is so bad? What a surprise for these children on their first day back to Holy Rosary School in Port Chester A ribbon cutting is held for their brand new playground. Father Tim Ploch blessed the area and thanked the family of Timothy Reilly for this gift.

Timothy Reilly was killed September 11th in the World Trade Center terrorist attack. The 41-year-old grew up in Larchmont, and was Vice-President for Marsh USA, located in the World Trade Center, on the 100th floor of tower one. In lieu of flowers for his funeral, his family requested donations' be made to the Holy Rosary School Fund. That money went to this playground.

"I hope they're enjoying themselves. Its something that, my brother was young at heart." Timothy's brother, Chuck, explains the playground was their mother's, Clare Walcovy's idea. She's a second grade teacher here at Holy Rosary, yet too shaken to speak on camera.

The children call her "Mrs W" "The kids are first in her heart. I think it's a fitting memorial for my brother and the school," Chuck Reilly said. While some of the children who will enjoy this playground might be too young to understand exactly why its here, others say this red, white and blue set up will serve as a reminder of what happened in this country on September 11th.

Student Jasmine DeJesus said, "Cause of the colors, they remind me of the American Flag, and her son, and the Twin Towers." Student John Caicedo said, "I want to thank Mrs. W. for putting this nice playground here for us." Yet, the sound of joy and laughter is probably enough thanks to "Mrs. W" who chose this playground to memorialize her lost son's spirit.