Brendan P. Walsh

Brendan Paul Walsh, age 83, passed away on 30 December 2024. His final days were spent in the company of his beloved wife, Margaret, and his six children. The sadness of his passing is softened by the many happy (and sometimes goofy) memories they have of this remarkable man.
Brendan was born on 10 July 1941 in Dublin, Ireland, to Walter and Elizabeth "Nibby" Walsh. Along with his family, he came to America in 1954 aboard the Franconia, a trans-Atlantic trip that would be remembered with such a lack of fondness that it would be many years before he assented to another sea voyage. Despite leaving his home country at 13, it stayed with him always-both in his heart and his gentle Irish brogue.
Brendan graduated from Passaic High School in 1958, after which he enlisted in the National Guard. Following his service, Brendan worked for Public Service Gas Company. He started as a draftsman and worked his way up to supervisor, before retiring after 40 years with the company. He was known throughout the North Jersey region of PSE&G as a hard worker, a good-humored colleague, and a reliable source of homemade Irish soda bread come Saint Patrick's Day.
A blind date arranged by a neighbor would introduce Brendan to the love of his life, Margie, in 1959. That fateful setup was the start of 62 very happy years together, which would include six children as well as a move in 1967 to Oradell. Brendan was a devoted spouse and a family man through and through. He loved spending time with his wife and delighted in being with his children.
Brendan was a man of strong faith who lived it daily. In addition to being a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, he was active in Saint Joseph's parish for many years, serving as a parish trustee, Cornerstone retreat director, and Eucharistic minister. His example was an inspiration to the many whose lives he touched.
Known for his warmth and sense of humor, Brendan will be remembered as a generous host who always welcomed another person at the family table. His pancake breakfasts remain unmatched, and his Sunday morning omelet operation was legendary. He enjoyed camping and explored much of the country while towing a trailer. Brendan especially loved to putter in his basement workshop from which emanated an impressive array of handmade wood crafts as well as more than a few (and often last-minute) science fair projects for his children. He had a mischievous bent and a fondness for backyard fireworks; the annual tradition of blowing up the Halloween pumpkin was a family favorite. A man of many talents, he had an enthusiasm for life, an innate curiosity, and an uncanny ability to fix just about anything.
Brendan was predeceased by his parents Walter and Elizabeth as well as his brothers Peter and Wally. He is survived by his wife Margaret, his sister Gail, his six children-Maureen (Peter), Brendan (Martha), Brian, Kathleen (Joseph), Bernard (Lisa), and Barry (Nicole)-and his twelve grandchildren (Spencer, Corey, Connor, Daniel, Elizabeth, Adam, Mia, Violet, Juliet, Dominick, Brielle, and Luke).
A wake service will be held from 3-7 PM on Friday, January 3rd, at Basralian Funeral Home in Oradell with a Mass of Christian Burial to take place at St. Joseph's Church in Oradell on Saturday, January 4th at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Several Sources Shelter in Ramsey, NJ.