Mr. Edward M. O'Brien

1969                                        1971

July 10, 1931 - April 2, 2018

Edward M. O’Brien, age 86 of Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully on April 2, 2018. From his birth on July 10, 1931 in Jersey City, NJ, Ed touched many with his jovial, kind, compassionate and loving nature. A graduate of St. Cecilia’s High School and St. Peters College with an accounting degree, Ed served proudly in the Korean War. He owned his own business for many years, Rockland Bergen Office Machines and was greatly involved in the Paramus, NJ community, where he served on the Board of Education and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

He dedicated himself to his “Bride” of 31 years, Kathleen, and his 5 children. He never met a stranger he didn't befriend, from toll collectors on the GSP to anyone he interacted with along the way. He found a way to be happy and content and infect those around him with humor and, of course, conducting an “interview” with all he met. He greatly enjoyed his years with Kathleen, where they shared walks along the beach and raising their seeing eye dog Penny. Ed loved his Irish heritage as he was the first generation to grow up in the US. He took several trips with his family back to Ballyporeen, Ireland, the birthplace of his parents Nora and Ned. He enjoyed visiting his extended family there as often as he could. 

He is survived by his wife Kathleen; his five children, Dr. Nora O’Brien/Suric and her husband Dragan, Edward J. O’Brien and his wife Ilene, Kathy O’Brien, Christopher O’Brien and his wife Susan, and Ralph O’Brien and his wife Tess. He is survived by 7 grandchildren Andrew, Courtney, Allie Rose, Lauren, James, Elizabeth (Ritzy) and Lucas. He also leaves behind 2 great grandchildren Kaylee and Ike and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed also is survived by the mother of his children Lorraine.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toms-river-nj/edward-obrien-7810155