Edward Kenneth O'Mara

Edward K. O'Mara, 58, of Nutley peacefully passed to Heaven on September 23rd, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Eddie was born in Newark and lived in Nutley his entire life. He attended Holy Family School, Nutley High School, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Kean University. Eddie started his law enforcement career with the Essex County Sheriff's Department in 1989. He was promoted multiple times and was the leader of many units, finally retiring after 29 years as Captain. He's been called the best boss ever more times than we can count and served as a mentor and role model to many employees and colleagues. He was a gentleman, yet strong, loyal to a fault and fiercely protective of those he loved. Eddie loved watching the Yankees and Giants, enjoying a good glass of bourbon or a nice cold beer, and summers at the Jersey Shore.

All of these accomplishments would be the headline for most people. However, there was no part of life in which Eddie shined more than as a devoted family man and friend. He spent the last 40 years with the love of his life, Debra, constantly by his side, traveling, having dinner and drinks with friends and family, and enjoying nights on the front porch with a glass of wine and a cigar. Even with his demanding and time-consuming career he attended hundreds of crew meets, football, baseball, and hockey games to ferociously cheer on his children, Taryn, Thomas and Ryan. "Uncle Eddie" traveled to watch his nephews play hockey, baseball, basketball and soccer.

This past year, Eddie had the absolute joy of watching his daughter have his grandson and best buddy, Joseph Charles Cassini. Watching him with his "Joey Joe", you could plainly see his heart burst and his eyes glow with love.

Eddie is survived by his devoted wife, Debra (Tumminello) O'Mara, his daughter Taryn, her fiance, Joseph Cassini and grandson Joseph Jr. of Pompton Plains; son Thomas and his fiancé Nicole Poccia and son Ryan of Nutley. He is also survived by his mother, Anita (Apostolico), father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Patricia Tumminello, brother-in-law, Steven Tumminello, sister-in-law, Liz O'Mara, and nephews, Steven and Matthew Tumminello.

Eddie was predeceased by his father, Edward, his brother, Kenneth, and sister-in-law, Leanna Tumminello.

Eddie had innumerable friends from grammar school, his professional career and the town of Nutley. He leaves a large extended family that is absolutely heartbroken, yet comforted that Eddie is at peace with the Lord.

The funeral will be Monday, September 29, 2025, at 9:00AM from the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, (www.swbrownandson.com), 267 Centre St., Nutley.

The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bloomfield.

The interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Sunday, September 28th from 1:00PM – 5:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to "Oceans of Blessings", an amazing organization founded by Eddie's beloved oncologist, Dr. Allyson Ocean. https://www.oceansofblessings.com/purchase-a-blessings-bag