Obituary of Thomas "Tom" Michael Reilly

Thomas Michael “Tom” Reilly, 71, of Sewell, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Legacy

Born in Red Bank, NJ, he spent his youth in Atlantic Highlands, playing baseball, basketball, and the organ in various garage bands. He also caddied at the local golf course, and through all his years, declared it is his favorite job. He was an altar boy at St. Agnes Parish, where he also attended elementary school. He attended Mater Dei High School in Middletown and then proceeded to earn a bachelor's degree at the University of Dayton, a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate in clinical nutrition at Case Western Reserve University. 
 

He began his career at the Tennessee Dept. of Public Health, focused on maternal and fetal nutrition, and from there moved into teaching clinical nutrition at several universities. He finished out his career in the field of medical writing across the greater Philadelphia area.

Tom was the first in his family to attend college, and his enthusiasm for education never waned. The friendships he formed at Dayton remained some of his most treasured for over 50 years. He spent his 20s in Tennessee, and during these formative years, he made many memories, lifelong friendships, and met Martha, his dearest friend and wife of 35 years. He would later describe this time as some of the best years of his life. Martha and Tom raised their three daughters, Molly Claire, Rosemary Kathleen, and Catherine Jane in Cleveland Heights, OH; Greenville, NC; and Sewell, NJ.
 

He was a self-proclaimed baseball “junkie,” avid college basketball fan (“Go Flyers”), and an aficionado of music of all kinds. He had many passions, including delicious food, the arts, and nature, in particular birds and flowers.

A loyal friend, a devoted husband, and adored father and grandfather, Tom was considered a gentle soul by those who knew him. He was truly one of a kind, and as he would say, he “marched to the beat of his own drum.” He was genuine, compassionate, and generous to all. Above all else, he felt his greatest accomplishment was his family.
 

His family will miss his special way of looking at the world, his unique humor, and his ability to endear himself to all who met him.
 

Family

He was the beloved husband of 35 years to Martha Reilly (nee Savage). Devoted father of Molly (Daniel), Rosemary (Juan), and Catherine (Joseph). Treasured grandfather of Kieran, Finn, Olympia, and Adriana. Son of the late Mary Catherine and late James Reilly. Dear brother of Theresa, late James, late John, and late Patricia. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Farewell Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Thursday, May 4th from 9:00AM to 12:00PM in the McGuinness Funeral Home - Washington Township, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080. Funeral Service at 12:00PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the March of Dimes organization.

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