Gerry O’Reilly

Gerry O’Reilly didn’t just enter a room; she made an appearance. She passed away leaving behind a legacy of sharp wit, perfectly coiffed hair, and a standing rule that remains in effect: do not touch the hair.

Always dressed to the nines with her makeup flawless, Gerry was a firecracker who managed to be both the life of the party and the kindest soul in the room. She was a fixture in the community, first as a cashier at Thriftway and later at Seabras, where she greeted everyone with a genuine smile and a quick word.

​​If you left Gerri’s house hungry, it was your own fault. She was a master in the kitchen, famous for her gnocchi and a bowl of mashed potatoes that no one else could quite replicate. Sundays and holidays were her territory, especially Christmas. She lived to cater to her grandkids, ensuring the family dinners were loud, the food was plenty, and the Hallmark movies, Everybody Loves Raymond, or The Big Bang Theory were likely playing in the background.

​​Gerry had a bags-packed policy for travel. Whether it was the cliffs of Ireland, the mist of Niagara Falls, or her frequent rotations through Wildwood and Ocean City, she was always game for an adventure. She was particularly fond of church bus trips to the casino—though whether she was there for the fellowship or the slot machines depends on who you ask.

​​Gerry is reunited with her husband, Robert O’Reilly; her son, Robert “Bob” O’Reilly; her sister, Louise Santiagati; her brother, Frank Abriola; and her parents, Mary and Frank Abriola.

She is survived by: her children, Deneen (Raymond) Hartman, Colleen (Christopher) Costello, and Danielle (Jason) McLaughlan; her grandchildren: Leinaala O’Reilly, Haunani O’Reilly, Uilani-Rose (Jen) O’Reilly, Ryan (Shannon) Bienkowski, Joshua (Victoria) O’Reilly, Kelsey O’Reilly, Jillian Costello, and Jenna McLaughlan; her great-grand children: Uluwehi, Ala-kai, Aviana, Ke-ola, Kelli kai, Mahealani, Elias, Jalen, Kae breunna, Rylie, and Brianne Bienkowski; great grandchildren: Josephina O’Reilly and Kaulana Na-Pua; and her extended family: her sister, Marie (Roger Scheuer) Diamond; sister-in-law, Lynn Abriola; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her dear friend and caregiver, Sherri.

​​Come celebrate 87 years on Friday January 30th from 6:00pm-8:00pm, at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside NJ and Saturday January 31st from 9:30am-10:30am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00am at Sacred Heart Church, 103 Fourth Street, Riverton NJ. Interment St Peters Cemetery, Riverside NJ. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Stjude.org