Douglas Charles Reilly, 81, of Atlantic Highlands and Tequesta, Florida, passed away July 5, 2023. God broke the mold after Douglas was born Feb. 2, 1942, in Clarence, New York, to the late Charles and Helen (Tucker) Reilly. Douglas was also predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Sulyn Rains.
He graduated from Clarence High School and Colgate University where he pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity, enjoyed a successful collegiate wrestling career and met his first wife and mother of his three children. Following college, he earned his M.B.A. from Rutgers University and began his career as a CPA at Arthur Andersen accounting firm.
Doug was the founder of D.C. Reilly Associates and Consumers Mortgage Corporation and the creator of the “No Cost Mortgage.” He helped dozens of employees build successful careers and thousands of families fulfill their dream of owning a home.
His career brought him a great deal of pride and satisfaction. He enjoyed many wonderful friendships and was a member of Navesink Country Club for over 40 years, as well as Tequesta Country Club. He was also a 32nd degree Mason.
His greatest joy, however, was his family. He spent over the last 20 years with Barbara Newman Taylor on his arm.
His loving children Patricia Kelly (Keith) Baldwin, Elisabeth Ellen (Stuart) Ross, and Douglas Charles (Heather) Reilly Jr. and stepchildren, Guenevere Taylor and husband Paul Rodrigues and Kevin (Julie) Taylor, will miss him terribly but take comfort in knowing they no longer have to worry about him feeding their children strawberry ice cream for breakfast.
Doug relished his role as “Baba” to his 10 grandchildren, Kayci, Kendall, Mason, Kashon, Baeli, Zoe, Karson, Lilly, Declan and Holden, whom he loved more than anything else in the world. His loving sister Judy (Jim) Royer and his very special nephew Charles (Jane) Groder and nieces Jill (David) Lettice and Karen (Eugene) Weakland will miss his unfailing birthday, anniversary and holiday phone calls.
Beyond his wrestling prowess, Doug’s athletic accolades include Navesink Golfer of the Year, and Member-Guest Champion. He was known by all as a prankster with an irreverent sense of humor, stunning blue eyes and a beautiful bass singing voice. He loved playing “Moonlight Sonata” on the piano, wearing one red sock and one green during the Christmas season, and traveling. He had a soft, generous heart and was quick to give to those in need.
He was deeply grateful to God for his family and many blessings and regularly shared in his later years, “I’ve lived a good life with very few regrets.” He will live on in our hearts, thoughts, prayers and laughs forever.
Services will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. July 16 at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the July 13 – 19, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
