Obituary of David L Reiley

David Leslie Reiley, 79, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Flemington, NJ, passed away suddenly on January 8, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Dave’s warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Born and raised in Morristown, NJ, Dave graduated from Morristown High School before starting his career in the auto parts industry. His hard work and entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate NAPA Auto Parts in Madison, NJ, for over two decades.

Family was at the heart of Dave’s life. He was a devoted husband to Patricia, his wife of 54 years, and a loving father to Maureen and Colleen. He relished being a grandfather, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren from the sidelines or share in their milestones.

Generosity and a deep commitment to others were the hallmarks of Dave’s life. He tirelessly gave back to his community, serving as President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, coaching youth ice hockey, and dedicating countless hours to Habitat for Humanity. His selflessness and leadership touched countless lives and inspired all who knew him.

Dave was a constant source of joy, always wearing a smile that lit up every room he entered. He loved deeply, played with enthusiasm, laughed wholeheartedly, and formed meaningful friendships. He treasured every moment with friends, old and new, and was known for frequently reaching out to check in. After suffering a stroke in 1997, Dave demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, becoming an inspiration and a true embodiment of perseverance.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dave’s loyalty to his favorite teams— the Devils, Villanova Basketball, NY Giants, and Yankees—was unwavering. He also had a profound connection to the Morristown Beard School (MBS), where he grew up on campus. Dave coached the boys’ ice hockey team and, in 2000, founded the school’s girls’ ice hockey program. His dedication to the school earned him a well-deserved place in the MBS Hall of Fame, a reflection of his impact on the community both on and off the ice.

Dave leaves behind his wife, Patricia (Vaughan); daughters, Maureen Reed (Clark) of Hopewell, NJ, and Colleen DiGiambattista (Matt) of Basking Ridge, NJ; and his cherished grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, Emma, Charlie, and Morgan. He is predeceased by his parents, Vernon and Thelma Reiley; his in-laws, Jack and Helen Vaughan; and his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Gene Vaglio.

Dave’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and the profound difference one person can make. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, strength, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dave’s name to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, continuing his lifelong commitment to building and uplifting his community.