MANAHAWKIN, N.J. — Brian Joseph Foley, of Manahawkin, N.J., passed away unexpectedly Monday, Aug. 14, 2017.
Born Dec. 26, 1954, in Flushing, N.Y., Brian was the son of the late Dr. T. Raymond Foley and Jean Marie (Cavanaugh) Foley. Brian spent his childhood and early adult years as a resident of Mountain Top. A 1972 graduate of Scranton Prep, Brian graduated from Villanova University with a finance degree in 1976. He then rode his motorcycle to Tucson, Ariz., where he obtained an engineering degree from the University of Arizona in 1980.
Brian had a distinguished career as a civil engineer with Foster Wheeler Inc. before starting his own home construction business, American Homes Inc. American Homes is a custom modular home builder of quality modular homes at the Jersey Shore — including Long Beach Island, N.J., and the surrounding shore communities.
Brian was very attentive to his nephews and nieces, as well as his three dogs and was a great friend to many. Brian loved conversation. He loved to talk, listen to different ideas, tell jokes and make others smile. He was incredibly generous with his time, his money and his humor. Brian was very active in the local community and was an avid boater – but, if you went to visit him, the boat wouldn't always start. Brian was an adventurer. Brian toured the United States on his motorcycle and lived and traveled abroad, including in Portugal, Asia, South America, the Middle East and his favorite place, Lebanon, Pa.
Brian will be greatly missed by his brothers, Dr. T. Raymond Foley III and his wife, Ann, of Lancaster, Kevin Foley and his wife, Alice, of Lake Nuangola and James Foley, of Atlanta, Ga.
His brother, Gerard, passed away on May 15, 1997.
Brian was a proud uncle of nephews, Dr. T. Raymond Foley IV and wife, Hannah, of La Jolla, Calif., Michael Foley, of Philadelphia, Nestor Foley, of Atlanta, Ga.; and nieces, Kerry (Foley) Warznak and husband, Craig, of Philadelphia, Katherine Foley, of Lancaster, Maggie Foley and Laura Foley, of Atlanta, Ga.
Celebration of Brian's life will begin with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, and continues with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in the Church of Saint Mary, Dorrance Corners, (corner of Blue Ridge Trail Road and St. Mary's Road), in Dorrance. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to the Gift of Life, http://www.donors1.org/about-us/contribute/; Crestwood student athletes via the Jean M. Foley Scholarship fund, P.O. Box 432, Mountain Top, PA, 18707, or the American Heart Association.
Memories and condolences may be shared with Brian's family at www.celebratehislife.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patricia Duus
June 9, 2025
I met Brian at a Catholic retreat when Ursuline Academy in Wilmington Delaware sent a group of us to Scranton Pa for the weekend. Of course all of the girls were there to meet boys and vice versa. Our chaperone a hypervigilent nun tracked down Brian and me hiding in a closet with a whole pizza! We were hiding from the nun but the pizza saved us and the giggling. Unusual things always happened when Brian was around. I have a picture of John Gibbons, Brian, my friend Jane and I when they came to Wilmington to go to the mt. Pleasant senior prom my friend jane needed a date! Thev4 of us went to Rheobeth beach the next day. Brian and I corresponded the summer he was in South America. My 17 year old heart treasured those letters. I saw Brian a couple of times when he was at Villanova and usually weird funny things would happen to us. I think he thought my friend Jane and I were crazy. Brian was my first crush. He was very very handsome and kind of quiet and really kind and nice. My life took a different turn then Brian's. I will always hold him in my 16 year old heart. Oddly enough, I did not know he lived in South Jersey. I live in Brigantine. I am sorry he died too early. I am happy he left such a legacy of love with his family and he traveled all over the world. I sort of did too but it was for work. I was lucky to have known him for a short time when he and I were young. Prayers and condolences forvyou guys who knew him your whole life. He was a good guy!
August 23, 2017
Brian was a great friend and truly a joy to be around. My condolence to the family.
Jim Barkley
Sandy Brislin
August 22, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. We were teen age friends. A few years ago we found each other again thru social media. My heart goes out to his family. He was one of the good guys. RIP my old friend.
August 19, 2017
We would like to record our support for the Foley Family during this time of need!
Denise and Gail Vonderheid
Killeen Texas
Anne Mudrak
August 18, 2017
Our kindest thoughts and wishes go with you at this time of sorrow. We hope you can find consolation through your many friends and family....... Anne and Vince Mudrak
Tommy Gallagher
August 18, 2017
My sincere condolences on the passing of Brian! May God hold him in the palm of his hand until we all meet together on the other side!
Manus & Hilda Mulherin
August 18, 2017
Kevin and Alice, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Skip Labashosky
August 18, 2017
Foley family,
Sending my heartfelt sympathy as you remember Brian. One of the great "pioneers" of Scranton Prep football, he will be greatly missed by all his teammates.
Thoughts & Prayers,
August 17, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Brian, we have many happy memories of times spent together, he will truly be missed Ellen & Alli Gibbons
August 17, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Brian, we have many happy memories of times spent together, he will truly be missed Ellen & Alli Gibbons
Ellen & Alli Gibbons
August 17, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Brian, we have many happy memories of times spent together, he will truly be missed Ellen & Alli Gibbons
Ellen and Alli Gibbons
August 17, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Brian, we have many happy memories of times spent together, he will truly be missed Ellen & Alli Gibbons
August 17, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Brian, we have many happy memories of times spent together, he will truly be missed Ellen & Alli Gibbons
August 17, 2017
Dear Foley Family,
We have such fun filled memories of Brian, Jean, Jewell,Ginny & "little Bryan" in Portugal. I'm sure you have many more to help you through this difficult time.
Like many families, ours is spread out. John will be returning from Naypytaw Myanmar in September.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
"Jay", Ellen, Jack, Evan & Eric Ewald
543 McKinley Terrace
Centerport, N.York. 11721-1015
August 17, 2017
Kevin, Our deepest Sympathy on the Loss of your Brother. May God Bless!
Donna and John Piszak.
August 17, 2017
Kevin and Alice, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joe McDonald
August 17, 2017
Ray and Family
Brian Foley Scranton Prep Class of 1972
Of Ever Honored Memory......
Brian was a great friend and boss. He will be missed by everyone his life touched.
Glenn Brine
August 17, 2017
American Heart Association
August 17, 2017
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Aug
18
Funeral services provided by:
M.J. McLaughlin Company142 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored