Riley W. Regan

Oct. 10, 1935 - Dec. 7, 2012

    Riley W. Regan, 77, of Greentown IN and Cranford NJ, died peacefully at his home in Cranford NJ on Dec. 7, 2012, after a short bout with primary liver cancer. Mr. Regan, a nationally recognized authority on alcoholism and drug abuse public policy, had a life-long personal and professional relationship with the field of alcoholism and drug abuse, was the founding director of the New Jersey Division of Alcoholism where he was credited with implementing the Alcoholism Treatment and Rehabilitation Act that decriminalized public drunkenness and established a statewide county planning system for alcoholism treatment and prevention. He also was instrumental in developing legislation that established the nationally recognized Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program, aimed at reducing drunken driving in New Jersey. Mr. Regan drew
his passion and commitment for his work from his own personal experiences with drugs and alcohol. He was an example of recovery to countless others and dedicated his life to helping alcoholics and drug addicts recover to live dignified and productive lives.  In retirement Mr. Regan served as a Chairman of the Kokomo Mayor’s Task Force on Drug Abuse Prevention and as an advisor to the State of Indiana’s addictions programs and was an expert witness on the American Disabilities and Federal Fair Housing Acts.
    He is survived by his wife, Katie Morris Regan; stepchildren, Kathy Maack, of Kokomo and Scott Engle of Imlaystown, NJ; grandchildren Rebecca and Markus Maack of Kokomo and Nicole Leming of Imlaystown.  A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 22 in Cranford NJ. The family has requested that donations be made to Oxford House, Inc., 1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD, 20910. Contributions may be made at www.oxfordhouse.org.