Obituary of John William Reilly

John William “Salty” Reilly, 83 passed from this life on August 5, 2017 at home. He was born in Long Branch, lived his young days in Oakhurst, Leonardo, and Atlantic Highlands. He resided in Middletown and Lakewood having moved to Jensen’s Adult Community, Cream Ridge (Plumsted Township) in 2013. John was a graduate of Atlantic Highlands High School. He was employed for 36 years by Jersey Central Power and Light Company, a job that he loved and from which he retired in 1994. He was an avid fisherman enjoyed both surf and deep sea and a small game hunter. He loved wildlife and nature and had a vast knowledge of the natural world. His unique sense of humor with one-liners and life stories kept those around him in stitches of laughter, especially his buddies with whom he liked spending time with over a beer or two reminiscing about “the good old days”. John was predeceased by his parents, James J. and Mary Catherine (nee Bennett) Reilly and a sister, Patricia Koeser. He is survived by three sons, Terrence, East Keansburg, Timothy, Forestville, California, Michael Guerneville, California; a daughter, Erin Yahara, Port Monmouth; two brothers, James J. Reilly, Navesink, and Dr. Thomas Reilly, Sewell; a sister, Teresa R. Eldridge, Cream Ridge; and four grandchildren, Molly, Melissa, Luke and Matthew. Visiting hours will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Church of the Assumption Debt Reduction Fund, 76 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533 would be appreciated.