By MADDY VITALE
He owned the Blue Water Inn. He owned the Ocean Breeze Hotel, and many other businesses. He had an entrepreneurial spirit that inspired others.
Drew Reilly, of Ocean City, passed away July 3 at just 55. His longtime friend, Jody Levchuk, co-owner of Jilly’s Boardwalk and downtown shops, described him as a person who “flew under the radar,” but who had business sense and a quick wit.
In addition to the hotels, Reilly owned OC Grilled Cheese & Quesadilla Company and Obie’s Beach Hut, named Obie for his beloved dog. Both businesses are located on the same property as Blue Water Inn on Eighth Street.
Levchuk said he admired his friend.
“I looked up to him in many ways. He had an amazing entrepreneurial spirit. He always had a joke and would do anything to make people laugh and feel comfortable,” Levchuk recalled. “Drew could have done many things with his life, including a standup comedy act, but he was in the hotel and hospitality business because it was so fitting for him.”
Levchuk, 45, who is also an Ocean City councilman, said Reilly, who had homes in Ocean City and Pennsylvania, was “like an older brother to me.”
Reilly’s first job was working for Levchuk’s parents at Jilly’s Arcade when Levchuk was just four and Riley was 14. At one point, Riley babysat Levchuk and his brother, Randy.
Even though Reilly went away to school at Penn State University to earn a degree in the hotel and hospitality industry, he would return each summer to work for the Levchuk family.
“Drew went on to become a hotel executive working for some of the world’s largest brands, but he always kept Ocean City as his target and summer retreat,” Levchuk said.
Reilly who had two children with his ex-wife, Krista, taught his children about running a successful business.
Andrew, 21, is following in his father’s footsteps. He is attending Penn State to earn a degree in the hotel and hospitality industry. Reilly’s daughter, Alyssa, 18, begins her freshman year at the University of South Carolina in August. Both of Riley’s children worked at Jilly’s shops.
“I learned everything from my dad,” Andrew Reilly said in an interview Tuesday.
The Reilly family does not intend to sell the businesses either.
“Everything about working there and being a part of it is fun for me, and it is important for me to be a part of something that was my dad’s,” Andrew said.
Rick Reilly, Drew’s brother, lives in Ocean City and Florida, and also works in the family business and owns properties.
He said he will continue his brother’s work to keep the businesses running successfully.
“It’s a family business,” he said.
On Tuesday, Rick met with hotel staff.
He spoke fondly of his brother.
“He had a great personality. And he was just blessed with common sense,” Rick said. “He was a big picture type of guy. He could see a business opportunity and see the long-term prospects.”
That business acumen used to make Rick laugh. “I used to tell people, ‘He could sell snow to an Eskimo.’ People were drawn to his quick wit,” Rick said.
Drew grew up in Delaware County, Pa. He split his time between Ocean City and Newtown Square, Pa., for many years. In recent years, he spent much more time in the resort.
Like others who Drew Reilly touched in life, from his family to friends, to fellow business owners, he will not be forgotten.
“He came to my bar mitzvah and to my wedding,” Levchuk said. “He was a big part of my life. Drew will be deeply missed by all of us at Jilly’s.”
Details for services have not been finalized, but they will be held at St. Augustine Church in Ocean City.
