Dennis O'Shea

In Loving Memory of Dennis O'Shea September 16, 1935 – June 26, 2025
With broken hearts, we share that Dennis Peter O'Shea passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family at home in Holmdel, New Jersey. His death was sudden, though not unexpected, but the depth of our sorrow is immeasurable.
Dennis was a man of unwavering kindness, quiet strength, and generous spirit. He lived a life grounded in integrity, love, and service-to his country, his community, and most of all, his family. Married for 68 years to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Betty (Elizabeth Anizell) O'Shea, theirs was a lifelong partnership built on deep devotion and enduring love.
Born in New Brunswick, NJ to John and Marie O'Shea, and raised in Edison, Dennis was a proud graduate of New Brunswick High School, where he was a standout baseball player. He continued his education at Rutgers University and later at Thomas Edison College. He also served his country honorably in the United States Army Reserves.
Dennis enjoyed a successful 30+ year career with NJ Bell and later AT&T, where he retired as a Division Manager and Director of Communications. Throughout his life, he remained deeply engaged in his community-serving as President of the Edison Board of Education and of the Edison JAYCEEs. His faith was central to his life, and he was a devoted member of the Second Reformed Church of New Brunswick, where he served as a Deacon, an Elder, and Sunday School leader.
Upon retirement, Dennis and Betty relocated to Palm Harbor, Florida, where he embraced his love of golf, became a familiar face ushering at New York Yankees spring training games at Steinbrenner Field, and the two of them traveled extensively-including cherished annual trips to Aruba. To know Dennis was to be welcomed by his warmth and steady presence. He cherished family above all, and nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brothers, James and John O'Shea. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Betty; his children Thomas O'Shea (Felicity), Brian O'Shea (Catherine), and Nancy Macke (Eric); his sisters Marie Harris, Patricia Gagliano (Richard), and Barbara Eschle (Richard); his grandchildren Gavin, Lauren, Connor, Morgan, Jaclyn, Timothy, Erin, and Katelyn; and seven great-grandchildren who brought him endless pride and happiness.
A Celebration of Life service celebrating Dennis will be held at Second Reformed Church (100 College Ave., New Brunswick, NJ) on Saturday July 26, 2025 Visitation will begin at 9:00am with service following at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the College Avenue Community Church. His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.