Lawrence Rilla Jr.

Lawrence Rilla, 74, of Bluffton, SC, died peacefully at home on January 3, 2016, after a valiant battle with a recurrence of prostate cancer.

Larry was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on April 10, 1941 to Lorenzo Rilla and Theresa Pullano Rilla. His career was spent serving others in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, where he was Director of Religious Education. Upon his retirement, he moved to Huntsville, AL, where he continued to minister to others for seven years as a hospice volunteer.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Peter and Thomas Rilla.

Surviving Larry are his wife, Sheila Collins, his daughter, Kellie Ann Rilla MacKinnon of Elk Grove, California, and her daughter, Siobhan, his sister, Frances Kelly of Lanesboro, Massachusetts, and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sauls Funeral Home, Bluffton, SC. Visitation will take place there on Friday evening, January 8, 2016, 6:00-8:00 p.m. A service celebrating Larry’s life will be held in the same location on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jason Collins of The Church of the Cross presiding.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Home Instead Senior Care who assisted with Larry’s care in his final days, many good friends and Sun City neighbors, and the clergy and members of The Church of the Cross through whom God’s love shone throughout his illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.