John "Jack" Briody

John 'Jack' Briody, 89, of Brick NJ passed away January 29, 2026, in the loving arms of his children.

Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J. Jack was a proud graduate of Saint Aloysius High School, where he excelled in cross country and track. Following high school, Jack honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army and went on to work side-by-side with his best friend and brother, Bob, for nearly 40 years as a NY Union Steamfitter, Local 638. Jack was resourceful and creative. He loved working with his hands, and he could fix, restore, or build anything. Jack's work ethic served as an example to his children, who are extremely grateful for all he sacrificed and accomplished for them.

Jack's talents were varied, but his truest gift was that of being an accomplished bagpiper. Despite being told he was 'too old' at the age of 41 to begin learning this craft, he proved everyone wrong and went on to become Pipe Major for the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipes and Drum Band in Old Bridge. For the past 48 years, Jack's pipe playing has brought joy to so many, especially to those at his granddaughters' weddings.

Jack was someone you could depend on in any situation. He would do anything he could to lighten someone's burden whether by lending a hand or cracking a joke ... his quick wit was legendary.

Jack was most proud of his family. He married Mary Helen Hanley, moved to Parlin, NJ in 1966, and raised four children, Jack married to Kat, Mary Jane married to Todd, Ellen married to Brian, and Katie. As time went on, he became a devoted and dedicated 'Pop' of 13 - Colleen married to Jonathan, Maggie, Sean, and KK Kent, Michael married to Michelle, Christopher married to Alexandra, Brian and Kevin Santos, Danny married to Alison, Kelly married to Max, Meaghan and MaryKate Bailey, Great Grandad of 3, Joseph, Wyatt and Sullivan, and Mary Elizabeth, who we pray took his hand and led him to Jesus. 'Pop' was their biggest fan and loudest cheerleader, and so very proud all of them.

He will be deeply missed by his many loving nieces and nephews, his family in Ireland, the Taylors, his thoughtful neighbors and friends, and his compassionate caregivers at home and at Community Medical Center.

There is now a void in our hearts, and when the tears flow, we will let them wash away our sadness to make room for joyful memories!

Dad, Pop, Granddad, Uncle Jack, Friend - you will be dearly and lovingly missed ... thank you for being you!

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:30 - 7:30 pm at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Avenue, Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 9:30 am at St. Justin's the Martyr Roman Catholic Church, 975 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River. Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org, Cystic Fibrosis at 3803 West Chapter Pike Suite 217, Newtown Square PA 19073, or The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriors.org.