Brian W. Counihan

1957 - 2025

Brian W. Counihan

December 30, 1957 - January 6, 2025

Brian W. Counihan, 67, passed away peacefully at his home on January 6, 2025, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was a one-of-a-kind dad, grandfather, musician, motorcycle rider, jokester, world traveller, chef, craftsman, and all-around character who was dedicated to his family, bagpipes, his Irish heritage, and community service. An international bon vivant with a quick wit, knack for storytelling, and legendary stories to tell, he'll be missed by all who knew him.

Brian was born in Englewood, NJ, to Helen (née Trump, no relation) and Patrick Counihan Sr. He grew up in Cresskill, NJ, with his brother Patrick Jr. (deceased) before moving to Bridgewater, where he attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School East.

Brian was a jack of all trades he could just as easily code in COBOL as renovate a house from the studs up. He graduated from Florida Tech in 1980 after studying flight technology and transportation management, and he earned his flight dispatcher certificate from the Sheffield School of Aeronautics that same year. Brian began his professional career as a computer operator at Johnson & Johnson's Information Management Center, moving up in IT and eventually studying computer programming at the Chubb Institute while barbacking at night. He also worked for AT&T and EDS, continuing his computer programming career until shortly after the dot-com bubble burst in 2000. Brian went on to work as a car and flooring salesman and, after health issues forced him into semi-retirement, as a prep chef for Kubel's in Barnegat Light. His skills weren't limited to the kitchen, though he also contributed to Kubel's bar makeover, painting the interior.

Brian was an active member of his community, starting from a young age with his service to the Boy Scouts of America and its Order of the Arrow, becoming an Eagle Scout, attending the 1976 National Scout jamboree, and working as a counsellor at Camp NoBeBoSco. Brian was a proud member of the Manahawkin Elks Lodge No. 2340, previously serving as president of the lodge's Motorcycle Committee and then earning the title of Exalted Ruler in 2024. He was also a member of the Ocean County Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh where he was a driving force in launching (and playing emcee to) the Ocean County Irish Festival as well as the Improved Order of the Red Men.

A well-known (and well regarded) member of the bagpiping community, Brian learned the instrument as a young man and played with the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in Old Bridge, where his father was a bass and snare drummer. He picked the bagpipes back up as an adult, starting with a brief stint in the CúChullain Pipe Band before joining the St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band, which he played in for over 25 years. Brian competed with St. Columcille at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in 1998 and 1999, with the band placing 5th in its grade in 1998. More recently, Brian played an integral part in the formation of the Jersey Devil Pipe Band, joining its ranks in the fall of 2018 and quickly assuming the role of Pipe Sergeant. For the duration of the 2019 season, he stood at the front and led the band into every contest; during the lockdown of 2020-2021, he was instrumental in keeping all members inspired, from band leadership to its students.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Kerrie; his daughters Erin and Siobhan Counihan, and future son-in-law Matthew Thompson; stepson Christopher; stepdaughter Erica Kisby and son-in-law Scott Kisby; and grandsons Kody and Beau.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Little Egg Harbor Township on Saturday, January 18th at 11 a.m., with a private repast to follow. The family will also hold a celebration of life the party he always wanted at the Manahawkin Elks on Saturday, February 22nd.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/).