Friend & Supporter: Community, Police Mourn Death Of South Brunswick Biz Owner

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Walter A. Reilly, a local business owner who operated the Reilly’s Collision Center until 2021, died on Nov. 21, after a long battle with cancer. He was 71.

A lifelong resident of South Brunswick, Reilly graduated from South Brunswick High School in 1969. He started R&L Collision Center in Franklin Park in 1977.

In 1987, he bought land on Route 1 South Brunswick and built the auto body facility Reilly’s Collision Center which he operated. He sold the business in 2021, according to his obituary.

Through his business, Reilly helped the township and police department during road emergencies.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of our longtime friend and supporter Walter Reilly,” the South Brunswick Police Department said on Twitter.

“For over 45 years he helped with emergencies on township roadways as owner and operator of Reilly Collision Center. He was always there when needed.”

According to his obituary, Reilly was passionate about everything automotive – his business, retrieving vehicles with his tow tricks, NASCAR racing and motorcycle riding.

“He was also an avid animal lover. Above all, Walter was a family man who shared a very special bond with his daughter, Allison,” his obituary said. “Walter cherished every minute he was able to spend with his family, especially the lights of his life, his two grandchildren.”

He is survived by daughter, Allison O'Neill and her husband, John, of Cranbury, NJ; sister Robin Froehlich and her husband, Ted, of Princeton; brother Kevin M. Reilly and his wife, Ines, of Tampa, FL, sister Joan Kern of High Bridge, NJ, and his grandchildren, John and Leah O'Neill.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, 616 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, with a prayer ceremony to follow at 10 a.m. Burial is at Holy Cross Burial Park will be private.

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