Jay O'Brien

John J. O'Brien, affectionately known as Jay, passed away on July 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 70 years old.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068 (shookfarmer.com). A Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday at 10:30 AM at St. Aloysius Church in Caldwell. Private cremation will follow.
Born and raised in Jersey City, Jay developed a strong work ethic at a young age, helping his parents and siblings run O'Brien Florist, their family business in Greenville. He graduated from Marist High School, where he stood out as a talented athlete in both basketball and soccer.
He later attended Saint Peter's College, an institution that would shape the course of his life in more ways than one. After college, Jay returned to Marist as a teacher and soccer coach. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Jane, beginning a partnership that would span 48 years.
Jay went on to build a long and successful career in retail, rising through the ranks at Foot Locker to become Vice President of Merchandising. He later held the same title at Modell's Sporting Goods, traveling across Europe and Asia for business and eventually touring all but two U.S. states - Montana and Alaska. His work ethic shone through, as he was honored and inducted into the Halls of Fame at both St. Peter's College and Marist High School for his professional and athletic achievements.
His career brought Jay and his family to both Los Angeles, CA and Sarasota, FL, but he always found his way back to New Jersey, where he and Jane settled in Caldwell in 1998. Despite the demands of his career, he always made time to be a present husband, father, brother, friend, and eventually, grandpa.
No matter where he lived or traveled, Jay found joy in simplicity. He cherished 'peace and quiet' at home, bike rides and walks on the boardwalk down the shore, and worldly traveling adventures with Jane. Above all else, nothing made him happier than the time spent with his granddaughters, Maggie and Emma.
Jay was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Marguerite O'Brien. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jane M. O'Brien (née O'Connell); his beloved children, Kaitlin O'Brien and her husband Michael Ressalei, and John O'Brien; and his granddaughters, Maggie and Emma. He is also survived by his loving siblings: Richard O'Brien and his wife Lee, Jane Brown and her husband Ken, Donald O'Brien and his wife Jane, Justin O'Brien and his wife Maria, and Margie Kennelly and her husband Michael. Jay leaves behind many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will miss his wit, charm, and steady presence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay's memory to St. Peter's Preparatory School at spprep.org.