The spirit of Santa Claus lives on in Bristol

Like his legendary grandfather before him, Bristol’s Michael J. Rielly has embodied the role of Santa Claus with as much gusto and enthusiasm as the late James D. Rielly. And, because of his commitment to those less fortunate and in need, the James D. Rielly Foundation has been established.

As Mike Rielly pointed out, “In honor of his kindness, the James D. Rielly Foundation was established in his name to seek qualifying grants to preserve his legacy and provide charitable support to the children and the families of military and first responders hindered by economic status, physical or mental challenges.”

There are many out there who are too young to remember Jimmy Rielly. He was the “real-life” Santa to generations of Bristolians. The twinkle in his Irish eyes at this time of year was mesmerizing.

Born in 1908, Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Bristol whose love of community, state and country was unparalleled. “In many ways, he was Bristol’s unofficial ambassador,” his grandson said.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jim Rielly was known for his kindness, generosity and countless charitable acts. He received many honors over the years, most notably as an honorary member of the Bristol Rotary Club, which presented him the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. In 1989, the Bristol Democratic Town Committee presented him with the Bristol “Citizen of the Year” Award.

He also received numerous letters of recognition from celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Senators Theodore Francis Green, Claiborne Pell and John H. Chafee, presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, and his holiness, Pope John Paul II.

Jim Rielly also had an infectious love for the Fourth of July. For 10 years, he portrayed the character Charlie Weaver in the Fourth of July Parade, and in 1975, was appointed the official town crier, a position he held for 14 years.

But it was his role as Santa Claus that endeared him to so many.

His first appearance as Santa was in the beginning of the Great Depression in the late 1920s. For more than 60 years he would bring cheer to orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches, charitable organizations, military bases, and the R.I. Statehouse.

“Accepting no payment for his appearances,” said Michael Rielly, “his only fee requirement was that we share the true meaning of Christmas by loving one another. Close to his heart were those occasions when he spent time at the homes with mentally and physically handicapped children.”

In 1970, the Town of Bristol named a street (Rielly Lane) in his honor and, in 1975, the town dedicated the James D. Rielly bench at Rockwell Park.

Jim Rielly passed away on Nov, 26, 1991, at the age of 83. In 2010, he was honored posthumously as one of the inaugural inductees into the prestigious International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in Santa Claus, Ind.

Michael Rielly was proud to take over the role of Santa Claus from his acclaimed grandfather.

“I first began appearing as Santa Claus in 1971 at the ripe old age of 8 at a school play at the Byfield School,” he recalled. “My grandfather showed up to help me with my beard and suit. He gave me a few tips on how to ‘ho ho ho’ and even told me to wink every once in a while. But, it wasn’t until his passing in 1991 that I decided to follow in his boot-steps full time in the role of Jolly Old Saint Nick.”

This year, Mike Rielly founded the James D. Rielly Foundation, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with the goal of preserving Jim Rielly’s legacy and to continue his work of improving lives of those in need of a little extra cheer.

Foundation board of director members include Michael Rielly, Patricia Ferrick-Rielly, Brig. Gen. Rick Baccus, Judith Squires, Antonio Teixeira, Jennifer Mancieri, Marco Capaldi and Paul Vollaro.

“Our mission is to identify children and families who are dealing with hardship and bring them a magical holiday experience any time of the year,” Mr. Rielly said.

“From monetary donations to a visit from Santa Claus, there are many ways you can help,” he said. “Funded completely by private donations, the James D. Rielly Foundation would not exist without the generous support from individual and corporate donations. Each year we accept nominations of those in need from all around Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. We choose up to three special children, families or individuals dealing with hardship and provide them a magical holiday experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Your donation is 100 percent tax deductible and will help bring unconditional love, hope and joy to needy children and families.”

Mr. Rielly also has some big plans down the road.

“We have some major goals planned for the next couple of years,” he said. “First on the agenda is a place to store donated presents and gift wrapping and maybe even a sleigh to deliver them with. Ultimately, my plan is to build the Jim Rielly Santa Claus House, a place where families can come and visit with Santa Claus at no cost in a safe and family-friendly environment. The house would also serve as a mini-museum and a tribute to the man who the U.S. Senate declared: ‘James D. Rielly — A Truly Remarkable Santa Claus from Rhode Island.’”