John Edward Brannagan Jr.

Obituary of John Edward Brannagan, Jr.

John Edward Brannagan, Jr. age 79, of Annandale, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. Born on June 19, 1946, in East Orange, New Jersey, John lived a full life defined by devotion to family, pride in his heritage and joy found in life's simple pleasures.

John was the beloved son of the late John "Eddie" and Wilma Brannagan. A proud graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School, Class of 1964, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserve, a commitment he held with pride.

John enjoyed a long and successful career as a Regional Branch Manager for PPG Industries, Inc. in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Following his retirement from the glass industry, John kept busy driving a school bus for the North Hunterdon–Voorhees Regional School District, a role he enjoyed, especially when it involved sports trips.

John was a proud, stubborn Irishman with a great sense of humor, a generous heart and a love for the game of golf.

Known lovingly as "PopPop," John's greatest joy was spending time with his three grandchildren. John rarely missed their softball, swim meets or basketball games and enjoyed planning fun outings by always researching local fairs, carnivals and amusement parks. Summers were spent strolling the Point Pleasant boardwalk, playing miniature golf and competing at Top Golf. No matter the time of day, John especially loved taking his grandchildren out for ice cream.

In addition to spending time with his grandchildren, John was always looking for the next fun adventure with his beloved companion, Barbara. Whether it was golfing, fine dining, attending concerts, local day trips, shopping at flea markets, a month spent in Ft. Myers, Florida or travel to Ireland, John and Barbara never had any grass grow under their feet. John's love of golf was also shared with his lifelong friend, Eddie Burger. A true Corvette enthusiast since 1965, John only owned red Corvettes throughout his entire life. John was the Don Johnson in Miami Vice, cruising his various boats along the Barnegat Bay at the Jersey Shore. At home John liked to listen to talk radio, read the sports section of the New York Post and master the art of barbecuing steaks to perfection. John was a devoted fan of not only his grandchildren's athletic events, but also of Notre Dame college football and the New Jersey Devils hockey team.

With his confidence, good character and respect, John was a trustworthy, approachable son, dad, grandpa, companion and friend to those who knew him best.

John is survived by his loving daughters, Dawn Boyle (Patrick) and Heather Marrero (Kevin); Jerily DeWorken, mother of Dawn and Heather; his cherished grandchildren, Shannon, Finn and Mackenzie; and his longtime companion, Barbara Nelson, who shared many happy memories and adventures with him. John was predeceased by his parents, John "Eddie" and Wilma Brannagan, in addition to his beloved fur friends Buddy the Samoyed and Sneakers his cat.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, located at 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale NJ, 08801.

To send condolences to John's family please visit www.martinfh.com

John will be remembered for his love of family, his loyalty to friends, his Irish pride and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.