Local Authors Katherine Massopust and Paul W. Wang sign their books, “Then and Now: Perth Amboy” and “Stories From Perth Amboy,” at the Thomas Natchuras Apartments as Resident Russell O’Reilly and UAW Representative Jane Sarwin look on. The books were purchased for the library at the Natchuras Apartments.
*File Photo by Carolyn Maxwell 7/6/18
Another of Perth Amboy’s Residents who loved to keep Perth Amboy’s history alive has left us recently. That person is Russell O’Reilly.
I served on the PAHPC (Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission) when I was appointed as an alternate when Mayor Wilda Diaz decided to revive the Commission under the direction of the then City Historian Jack M. Dudas in 2009. At the time, Bill Pavlovsky was elected Chair and Russell O’Reilly was elected Vice-Chair unanimously. They were a perfect fit for the position. They loved the history of Perth Amboy. It was something ingrained from their youth. Because of work commitments, Bill Pavlovsky had to resign from the PAHPC and O’Reilly became Chair.
O’Reilly often spoke about the building which he resided in which was at one time the Town Tavern where it is believed that George Washington had stayed overnight. The Town Tavern (Smith and High Streets) later on became the Packer Hotel which burned down on March 17, 1969. The UAW built a new apartment complex there in the 1970’s. Because of the history of that building, Russell O’Reilly had the determination to have that building marked for its history. On Saturday, April 14, 2018 the UAW Building at 315 High St. was renamed the Thomas Natchuras Apartments in honor of Past UAW Organizer and Director, the late Thomas Natchuras.
Besides Russell O’Reilly, the people involved in preserving the history of that building were: Harry Scheman, Tom Ward, Bill Pavlovsky, and Ken Balut. Unfortunately, Tom Ward and Bill Pavlovsky have since passed away and the project is still unfinished. As a tribute to Russell O’Reilly, I feel that project should be revived and completed in his honor.
As Russell O’Reilly began to have health issues, he resigned as a Historic Commissioner, but he always spoke about how he loved Perth Amboy’s rich history. A part of history dies every time someone who lived it passes away. That knowledge can never be replaced. Hopefully, he passed on some of that knowledge to his descendants.
I knew Russell for a long time. His knowledge and the love of history and Perth Amboy was always was with him. That showed in his participation on the PAHPC which are trying to preserve the history of the town. I’ve worked with him on some of the projects of the PAHPC. This included 3 signs: one in front of Thomas Mundy Peterson School (State Street); in front of Barracks Street Administration Building, and in front of McGinnis School (State Street).
He served in the US Navy in the Vietnam War and has served on the Board of Education. Russell always attended the Amboy parades regardless of what kind of parade it was. He always attended (health permitting) the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day services.
Perth Amboy has lost a son. RIP Russell. C.M., K.M. P.W.
