Bernard M. Reilly, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed suddenly at the age of 78.
Bernard was born in East Orange and grew up in Union. He graduated from Archbishop Walsh High School in Irvington, Seton Hall University, and Rutgers University Law School.
He began his legal career at the NJ Turnpike Authority and then maintained a private practice on Maple Avenue in Red Bank for decades. A lawyer’s lawyer, he was a prolific legal writer with numerous reported cases in both the Appellate Division and the state Supreme Court in the areas of land use and municipal defense. He was devoted to the law and remained in practice until the end.
Bernie was proud of his service as a medic in the Green Beret Reserves during the Vietnam War.
He had a curious and analytical mind, with a lifelong interest in history – particularly the Civil War – and a later-in-life passion for horse racing. Through patience, study and a methodical approach to reading racing forms, he became a skilled handicapper, earning his place at the National Handicapping Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas for 11 years, from 2013 through 2025.
He moved through life with laughter, always able to find the funny side of any situation. He was a kind and forgiving soul who never held grudges: “What’s the point?” he’d often say.
His deep belly laugh was a joy to hear, the kind of laugh that made you want to laugh along with him. He was a steady, calming presence – the calm in the midst of a storm, always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was offering legal guidance or doing a favor for someone who needed support.
He will be missed deeply by many.
Bernie was predeceased by his mother, Nora, and his father, James. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Cheryl; his daughters, Meghann and Bridget (Danny); his siblings, Rosemarie and James (Nana); and nieces and nephews.
A viewing was held April 27 at Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank. A funeral Mass was held April 28 at St. James Church in Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernie’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.
The article originally appeared in the May 8 – 15, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
