Niall O’Reilly
Niall O’Reilly
08 Mar 1958 - 06 Sep 2023
Clubs & Associations
Quick Facts
- Married to Terri Rothman
- Longtime webmaster for Triangle Squares and Toronto & District Square & Round Dance Association
Obituary
Niall O’Reilly died peacefully at his home in Toronto, on September 6, 2023, from advanced prostate cancer.
He was born in Montréal, son of Brian (Judy Szabo) and Joan Morris (Fritz Dzikonski). He was the beloved husband and soulmate of Terri Rothman for 20 years. Niall is survived by his brother Sean (Jennifer Bowman) and sister Susan; Aunt Audrey Morris (Henry Bowen); many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, friends, and fellow square dancers.
Niall graduated from the University of Toronto and worked for many years in the computer field.
He was a fan of the live music and theatre scenes. He enjoyed many pastimes over the years, which included completing crossword puzzles, hiking, canoeing, and different forms of dancing, such as swing and Latin. Niall was an avid square dancer with the Triangle Squares and clubs across Ontario. In recognition of his volunteer contributions to support and promote square dance activities in Toronto and the GTA, he was the recipient of the Silver Triangle Award (2018) and the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation’s Trillium Award of Merit (2021).
As a hobby, Niall wrote plays and novellas. Some plays were produced at Theatre Aurora and Alumnae Theatre in Toronto, and some of his novellas are available to read on Biblioboard/TPL and the Library and Archives Canada website.
Niall was a kind, generous, and inquisitive person, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Remembrances
With great sadness, I announce the death of my dear husband of 20 years, Niall O’Reilly, from advanced prostate cancer, on September 6, 2023.
We joined Triangle Squares in 2009 after getting a taste of square dancing at a Contra dance. He loved dressing up in costume for special dances and marching in Pride parades.
Niall volunteered for many years on the Steering and Fly-In Committees as the Publicity Coordinator. Niall initiated an Angel program to support the Basic/Mainstream classes. He taught himself how to use social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, to attract potential new dancers and to promote our club events and Fly-Ins. He photographed many dancers to include in social media posts, the club’s website, and newsletters. For the 2016 IAGSDC convention in Toronto, Niall was responsible for the Vendor Fair, Advertising, and Sponsorships. In recognition of his continuous club support, Niall received the Silver Triangle Award in 2018.
In 2016, Niall’s social media and web skills were put to use when he joined the Toronto and District (T&D) Square and Round Dance Association board of directors. We travelled around Ontario and the US to a variety of regional dances and conventions, dancing and making square dance friends along the way.
In recognition of our contributions to support and promote square dance activities in the GTA, we were the recipients of the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation’s Trillium Award of Merit in 2021.
At Niall's request, there will not be a funeral or celebration of life. A private inurnment ceremony will take place at a later date. Thank you for your support at this difficult time. — Terri Rothman
Photos
With his wife Terri
At Triangle Squares fly-in, 2022
With his wife Terri
With his wife Terri
With his wife Terri
