Chantilly, VA

Alexandria, VA

Tristan Reilly McGillicuddy

tristan mcgillicuddy

May 15, 1996 ~ May 27, 2025

Born in: Washington, District of Columbia
Resided in: Falls Church, VA

In Loving Memory of Tristan Reilly McGillicuddy

Our beloved Tristan McGillicuddy passed away on May 27, 2025.  Born on May 15, 1996, in Washington D.C., Tristan was a bright and vibrant spirit who moved through life with charm and grace.   From an early age, he showed a remarkable capacity for kindness and compassion, and a zest for life that made him a cherished presence in our lives. His smile lit up every room; his energy and love for life were infectious.

A graduate of Bishop O’Connell High School and Washington and Jefferson College, Tristan was always eager to learn, grow, and make a difference. Tristan pursued everything with passion, dedication and integrity. He had a natural ability to connect with others, and his empathy and generosity defined him. He always offered support to those in need and would drop everything for someone he loved.

While his time with us was far too brief, Tristan left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a tireless fan of the Washington Capitals and Nationals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tristan had a strong sense of adventure, what he called the “adventure gene.” Whether he was snow skiing, water skiing, traveling, sharing time with family or friends, or working with his students, Tristan proceeded with unwavering enthusiasm and passion.

Tristan is survived by his mother Tami, his father Kevin, his brother Connor, his future sister-in-law Mariah, his adopted brothers Rehman and Taimoor, and many friends and extended family members.

We mourn the loss of someone so young and full of promise, but we take comfort in knowing that Tristan lived a life rich with love and joy. He will forever be remembered for his kind heart, bright spirit, and warm presence.  He made all of us feel like we were truly seen and valued. His spirit will continue to live on in the stories we share and the memories we hold dear.  In his memory, we ask that you honor Tristan by carrying forward the love, kindness, and laughter that he so generously shared with us all.

A memorial service will be held on June 20, 2025 at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6531 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA at 12:00 noon and will be followed by a reception at Kilroy’s Restaurant, 5250a Port Royal Road, Springfield VA 22151.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

 

 

Services

Memorial Service: June 20, 2025 12:00 pm

John Calvin Presbyterian Church
6531 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003

(703) 256-3644
https://johncalvinpres.org/

Reception: June 20, 2025 2:00 pm

Kilroy's Restaurant
5250a Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22151


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Tristan Reilly McGillicuddy 's name.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

+1-888-557-7177

givenow.lls.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I had the privilege of working with Tristan when he was the paraprofessional in my 2nd grade classroom at Mount Daniel Elementary. He was such a gentle giant! The students flocked to him because of his kind and caring demeanor. He was loved and admired by all who knew him.

    Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

  2. Mr. Tristan was my favorite SACC teacher. I will always cherish the times we spent making origami together—he had a way of making every activity fun and meaningful. He was the kindest, most patient teacher, and I feel lucky to have known him. He will be deeply missed.

  3. Mr. Tristan was a wonderful SACC teacher—always kind, helpful, and respectful. He treated everyone with great manners and made after care fun. I especially loved doing science experiments with him. My favorite was the exploding snowman—it was so exciting and fun. He made a big difference, and I’ll always remember him.

  4. Tristan smiled through it all! He was a constant light! His caring voice is what I will always remember! He’s dependable, positive and always willing to lend a hand. Ravensworth will truly miss him!

  5. Mr. Tristan was a very nice SACC teacher. I loved the experiments that he did with us in SACC – they brought joy to everybody. I also liked that he kept everything neat. He always knew how to entertain the little kids in room 2. He will always be remembered.

  6. Mr. Tristan was always so sweet and always smiling. He always stopped what he was doing to say good morning and good bye and sometimes even said it in Spanish to me. His kindness and smile are truly missed.

    My condolences to his family. I pray God give you the strength during the difficult time.

  7. My daughter absolutely adored Mr. Tristan. He was always so incredibly kind and calm. Mr. Tristan would always make sure to play with her one on one if her friends had all left for the day. He is deeply missed.

  8. Brooke and Tobias really enjoyed having Mr. Tristan as a SACC teacher. He greeted us warmly each day and worked hard to get to know families. Mr. Tristan had a lot of patience, enthusiasm, and a good sense of humor. We are so sorry for your loss, but please know he will always be remembered.

  9. I had the privilege of working with Tristan in the History Department at Falls Church High School. He was such a kind and loving presence, someone who made it a priority to ensure that both students and colleagues felt supported and truly heard. His compassion and care left a lasting impact on our school community, and he will be deeply missed.

    To Tristan’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that he touched many lives and will be remembered with great respect and warmth.

  10. I had the pleasure of working with Tristan in the History Department at Falls Church High School. He was thoughtful, steady, and deeply kind. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and supported. Tristan brought a calm, caring presence that always made things better.

    To Tristan’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss. He made a real difference in the lives of both students and colleagues, and his memory will continue to live on in the many hearts he touched.

  11. I was Tristan’s team teacher at Falls Church High School. As a new teacher, we were both learning together. While I learned of Tristan’s passing this morning, I was thinking about him yesterday when a senior stopped by to share how he had seen Mr. Tristan at the local community center and he seemed so happy and “in his element” working with young kids at the community center. I will always remember Tristan’s compassion, patience, and HUGE smile. He could diffuse a difficult situation with his gentle manner; the students knew he cared about them. Please know how very sorry I am for your loss.

  12. Tristan was always so kind, helpful, caring, patient and adaptable. It was a pleasure working with him. Everyone liked and cared about him, everywhere he went. He will be dearly missed.

  13. Dear Tami and Kevin,
    There are no words to express the depth of feeling one can offer for the loss of a son. Our hearts go out to you and your family as you try to understand. Beverly and I extend you our heartfelt grief and love. We wish you all the best as you try to continue on in your life. Best wishes and all you do Marlene and Beverly.

  14. I am lucky enough to call Tristan a friend and colleague. His generous, calm, and caring spiritwill be sorely missed. I will cherish my memories of laughter working with Tristan at 24 Hr Fitness and Mount Daniel Elementary. Tristan was a true Nationals fan and always extended an offer to me (and our other friends) each summer to come see a game with him. I will always think of him when I make my way to Nats park. I will miss my friend.


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