SOUTH AMBOY – Last month, the city named Pine Avenue Park in honor of two dedicated South Amboy residents, Charles and Claire Reilly.
Charles was a lifelong city resident and volunteer. He was a lifelong member of the Independence Fire Company and in 1972 he served as the Fire Chief for the city. Charles founded the Fraternal Order of Wardens, an organization dedicated to helping families and widows of firefighters.
Charles was a lifetime member and past commander of the Disable American Veterans Chapter 67. He revived American Legion Post 62 in South Amboy in 1981 and served as its commander in 1982. He served in the Marine Corps in World War II.
Charles was a baseball and softball coach for many years. He founded the South Amboy Babe Ruth Baseball League.
Claire was the first at-large councilwoman in the city’s history. She served as City Clerk for five years.
