John M. Lilly, age 76 of Daytona Beach, Florida formerly of West Springfield Massachusetts died on September 10, 2024. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 4, 1948 and preceded in death by his parents, John R. Lilly and Helen V. Hillgrove Lilly. He was educated in Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Technical Community College, University of Massachusetts, and University of Wisconsin School of Banking and several industry related schools of study.

He met his future bride and love of his life, Sheila D. Gallagher and they were married for 55 years. Together, they experienced a wonderful life raising their daughters, Jennifer DiLascia and Annemarie Rizzo.

John was in the Banking industry for nearly 40 years having retired from Westbank Corporation of West Springfield in 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. After retirement from the Bank, he did consulting work in the banking industry, was the CEO of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts, and was a Partner in the Mount Tom Development Corporation.

John was involved in many aspects of the Banking industry as well as his local community. He served on the Board of the Bank Administration Institute and as its past President. He was also a member of the West Springfield Town Government Study Committee, Chairman of the St. Thomas Finance Committee, a Board member of the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club and its past President, a Trustee of Springfield Technical Community College and was on the Board of Directors of the Mont Marie Health Center. John also participated in many local charitable organizations including the United Way, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and spent many years involved in youth sports organizations serving on various committees and coached soccer, basketball and football in the Town of West Springfield. He was also a member of the United States Army Reserve.

In the early years, John and Sheila spent their time raising their daughters and enjoying all their accomplishments in school, sports and simply watching them as they grew into beautiful young adults.

John and Sheila were long time members of Springfield Country Club and in retirement, Palmira Golf and Country Club of Bonita Springs, FL. Their membership and friends made at Springfield Country Club were some of their favorite memories and enjoyments.

They traveled across the country for business and pleasure, enjoying the beauty and wonderful history of our great country. In their retirement years, they spent much of their time in Bonita Springs, Florida and later the Daytona Beach area to be closer to their daughters. They also had a small but beautiful, summer home with a magnificent view overlooking Cape Cod Bay in Plymouth, MA. At the end of many a day we often just looked at each other and said "How Lucky We Are".

He is survived by his wife Sheila of 55 years, daughters Jennifer DiLascia and Annemarie Rizzo, her husband Frank Rizzo, his grandchildren Madison and Sam Rizzo. His brother Tom (Cathy) Lilly, his sister MaryJane Heady. His sisters-in-law: Loretta Forsyth, Diane (Michael) Biscaldi, Brenda Gallucci. His brothers-in-law: Fran Gallagher (Bill Dineno), Peter (Lisa) Gallagher. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John also leaves behind his beloved furry companion, Brady.

He was predeceased in death by father- in-law Frank Gallagher and mother- in-law Verda Kelly, his brothers-in-law: Michael Heady, John Forsyth, and Tommy Gallagher.

To honor John in lieu of flowers please send donations to The Parish Cupboard of West Springfield or The Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield.

Calling hours at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley will be Friday Sept. 27th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Burial is the convenience of the family. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.