Robert L. Reilly (“Riles),” 80, of Manahawkin, formerly of Long Beach Island and Belmar, died Wednesday, Jan. 1. Bob was born in South Amboy, New Jersey, and moved to Belmar as a child. He graduated from St. Rose Grammar and High Schools, both in Belmar.
He attended Mt. Hood College in Oregon, where he achieved an advanced degree in snow skiing.
Riles then became a ski instructor and moved to Killington. He was a member of the Killington Race Committee and volunteered for the Killington Ski Club, teaching underprivileged children the thrill of skiing. Realizing seasonal work did not allow him to live the life of “Reilly,” Riles began bartending and eventually managed restaurants and bars while perfecting his culinary skills. He and his then-wife, Sally, owned and operated the New England Inn in Woodstock. He became well-known and received many culinary honors, including the Taste of Vermont and the Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Award. He had a cult following of “rack of lamb” fans. He then moved back to New Jersey and settled in Long Beach Island. At Kubels Bar and Grill in Barnegat Light, he was the head chef and a consultant for the business. In his early 50s, Riles returned to the family business, achieving an AA in mortuary science and becoming a licensed funeral director in 1996. He was associated with the Reilly Funeral Home in Belmar until the business was sold in 2004.
After his retirement, he delivered Meals on Wheels in Ocean County.
Riles is predeceased by his parents, Dan and Jean, a sister, Maureen Howarth, brother-in-laws Tom and Joe, and sister-in-laws Virginia Bumback and Eileen Higgins.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Nancy Higgins Johnson, a brother, Dan (Maggie), and three sisters. His twin Nora Hall (Art), Mary Beth Walters (Harold), and Rosemarie, many nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.
Riles is also survived by his stepson, Michael Johnson (Pam) and their daughter, Chloe. His brother and sister-in-law, JR and Debby Higgins, all deserve a special thank you for their care and support through the years. Also surviving are his in-laws, Elizabeth and Terry Stonebrook Riles was a “character”.
He will be missed by all who love him.
At his request, there will be no public celebration of his life. The family will gather and scatter his cremated remains at a later date. In his memory please do an act of kindness for someone in need.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Ocean Grove Memorial Home.
