It is with humble hearts, we celebrate the life of Robert Lee "Bobby" Gilliard of Long Branch, who unexpectedly entered eternal rest on April 18, 2026, at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we honor and cherish the memories, laughter, and love he shared with all who knew him.

Robert "Bobby" Gilliard Aka Biz was born on March 18, 1965, in Long Branch, New Jersey, where he was born and raised. He graduated from Long Branch High School and spent most of his life in the Long Branch community before relocating to New York several years ago.

While living in New York, Bobby dedicated himself to helping others through his work with St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, where he was employed for seven years. He began as a SORT Member (Syringe Outreach Response Team) in April 2019, was promoted in 2020 to PDSE (Peer Delivered Syringe Exchange), and again in the spring of 2022 to Harm Reduction Specialist. As a Community Health Worker, Bobby touched the lives of thousands throughout the Bronx community through his compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others.

Bobby’s personality entered every room before he did. He had a special gift for making people laugh and bringing smiles to everyone he encountered. He loved talking, playing cards, and jokingly roasting his nieces and nephews. A natural-born comedian, Bobby had a spirit that could brighten even the darkest days. He also had a lifelong love for sports and especially enjoyed playing basketball throughout his life.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Lila Gilliard; his brothers, Claude Gilliard Jr., Sylvester Gilliard, Ronald Gilliard, and Michael Gilliard Sr.; his sister, Susan Gilliard; his nephew, Robert “Robbie” Jackson; and his niece, Latanya Gilliard. Though they are no longer with us physically, their love and memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Christopher Jackson of North Carolina and John Houlis; his significant other, Maria Houlis and her son, his Buddy, Paulie; his sisters, Dottie Jackson of Neptune and Cathy Gilliard of Boundbrook; his brothers, Kevin Gilliard (Margie) of Long Branch, Mitchell Gilliard (Cheryl) of Neptune, and Donald Gilliard (Elizabeth) of New York; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply and carry his memory forever in their hearts.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 am until the time of the service at 11 am at the Salem Baptist Church, 116 Third Avenue in Long Branch. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.