In Memoriam: Longtime Area Municipal and Land Use Attorney, Bernie Reilly, 78

Longtime Red Bank attorney, who served as municipal attorney for several area towns, including Fair Haven, Bernard “Bernie” M. Reilly, passed away suddenly. He was 78.

The “beloved husband, father, brother, and friend … 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 eleven years starting in 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 born in East Orange and grew up in Union. He was a graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School in Irvington, Seton Hall University, and Rutgers University Law School.

Bernie also served as a medic in the Green Beret Reserves during the Vietnam War.

He began his legal career at the NJ Turnpike Authority and then maintained a private practice on Maple Avenue in Red Bank for decades. Known as “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 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 will be held at Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank on Sunday, April 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 28, at 10 a.m. at St. James RC Church in Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home