Obituary of Jack Brennan

NOTE:  The visitation will be held at O'Brien Funeral Home in Wall, NJ. DO NOT send flowers to the Moriarty Funeral Home.
 

It is with much sadness and great love that the family of John (Jack) Brennan Jr. of Avon, NJ, shares the news of his passing. Jack passed peacefully from this life due to complications of myasthenia gravis, surrounded by his loving family on August 31, 2023. 

Jack was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey on January 28, 1946 as one of six children born to Josephine and John Joseph Brennan Sr. A devout Catholic, Jack attended Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ. After graduating, Jack attended Iona College where he earned a BS in English and Theology. He also earned master degrees from Columbia University and St. John’s University. Jack then began his nearly 45-year career in education. Jack, a former Irish Christian Brother, taught at Catholic Memorial High School in Boston before he began teaching at Dominican College. It was at Dominican that he met his best friend, future wife and partner in life, Mary (Dean). 

After working at Dominican for several years, Jack began to work at his alma mater, Iona College. After faithfully serving the Iona community, Jack began working at Manhattan College as the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. During his time at Manhattan, he assisted countless families to achieve their dreams of having their children graduate from college. Jack was always student focused and willing to lend a hand to any of the men and women at the college. During this tenure he was honored as the Parent of the Year, inducted into the Pen and Sword Society and for his professional acumen was elected as President of the National Association of Collegiate Admissions Counselors. 

His love of service and dedication to the students led him to his next stop – Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, NJ. Jack worked as the Director of Guidance where his tireless efforts and unwavering support of the boys at CBA enabled many of them to succeed not only in college but in life. Jack was a man of faith who supported, started and sponsored many philanthropic and faith-based events during his lifetime. For his dedication and service, Jack was inducted into the Hall of Fame of St. Joseph Regional High School in New Jersey, the Hall of Fame of Christian Brothers Academy and was selected as the LaSallian Educator of the Year, as well as countless other honors. 

Jack was well known for taking the time to speak with everyone, to always lend a helping hand and to have a story for every occasion. Jack was known for his willingness to listen to any problem and to provide very specific guidance. Jack was a family man who valued integrity, honor and loyalty above all else. The legacy he shared with all he met was to remember the important things in life: faith, family and friends. He shared with all he met along his 77 year journey many stories about his own life and all the funny and wonderful memories he had. He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and considered his trip to Lourdes and the many churches in Europe as cherished memories.  

His most treasured times were spent with his children, especially the adventure of going to a Notre Dame football weekend with his 5 children to celebrate his 70th birthday. Jack loved life at the shore and was happiest sitting looking at the ocean.

Jack’s most enjoyable times were with his grandchildren, they gave him life, laughter, unconditional love and the strength to fight his myasthenia gravis for over 12 years. Jack was truly their special Grandpa!

Jack was predeceased in death by his sister Joan and his brothers Justin and James. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary, his five children John (and Erika) Brennan of West Nyack, NY, Brian (and Kerrie) Brennan of Oradell, NJ, Greg (and Tara) Brennan of Malverne, NY, Joanne (and Jeff) Oleske of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ and Patrick (and Siobhan) Brennan of Howell, NJ.  He is survived by his eleven grandchildren Brian Brennan Jr., Shane Brennan, Daniel Brennan, Tommy Brennan, Molly Brennan, Makaela Brennan, Quinn Brennan, Jack Brennan, Connor Oleske, Owen Oleske and Maeve Brennan.  Jack is also survived by his brothers Joseph Brennan and Jerome Brennan. A wake will be held on Wednesday, September 6th from 2pm-7pm at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 State Route 35, Wall Township, NJ O’Brienfuneralhome.com. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, September 7th at 10:30am at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 424 Lincoln Ave, Avon by the Sea, NJ. Jack will be buried at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Wall, NJ.