Jerome F. O'Brien

Jerome Francis O'Brien Sr. ("Jerry") passed away with his family by his side on February 18, at the age of 75.
Jerry was born in 1950 to Gus and Dorothy O'Brien and grew up in a warm, loving Irish American household in West Orange, NJ. Jerry attended Our Lady of the Valley High School, Seton Hall University, and Seton Hall Law School (which he completed in 2 years, as he liked to remind his children). He went on to start the O'Brien & Taylor Law Firm in West Caldwell, NJ and he proudly continued his work as a lawyer until last week.
Jerry's greatest legacy, is his family, anchored by his wife Jackie (Sexton). They were married for 50 years, but their story began even further back, as childhood neighbors. Together they traveled the world (though preferred a family weekend in Wildwood Crest), celebrated life and raised a family in Essex Fells, NJ, their home of 35 years. In 2007, Jerry officially became "Pop-Pop," the role he cherished most, and man was he good at it (bad jokes aside).
In addition to many friends and extended family, Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife, Jackie; his sisters Betty McGovern and Jane Roe; his children Meghan Walsh (Brendan) of Verona, Jerome (Roxanne) of Summit, and John (Betsy) of Wyckoff; and 7 remarkable grandchildren Kaelin, Molly, Kelsey, Nolan, Lucas, Kieran and Rory.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, and his son Gregory. From time to time, he'd remark on what a reunion it would one day be.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Friday from 4 to 8 PM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Ave., Roseland, NJ, shookfarmer.com. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday 10 AM at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Roseland, New Jersey with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jerome, please visit our Tree Store.