Brendan T McCarthy, 43, loving husband, father, and loyal friend to many, passed away peacefully at home in Tuckerton, NJ on December 7th. Known by family and friends as simply “Brenny”, Brendan was born in Suffern, NY, on July 3, 1980, to the late Joyce and Robert, and is survived by his wife and their two children, along with the many pets he loved and cared for throughout his life. Brendan leaves behind his uncle Richard Lamb and his aunt Pamela as well as many dear friends.
Growing up in smalltown Closter, New Jersey, Brendan spent his younger years excelling on the local baseball fields where he exemplified toughness and what it meant to be a teammate. Brendan would proudly show off the ball sized bruises dotting his limbs, earned by throwing himself in front of any hard ground ball unlucky enough to be hit his way. If it meant saving a hit and giving his teammates a chance to get out of a tough inning, Brendan wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice himself. This was Brendan, his toughness only outmatched by his caring, empathetic heart and undying devotion and loyalty, made him the type of friend many can only wish for. Brendan, always quick to help anyone in need, learned undying compassion for animals from his late mother Joyce that stayed with him throughout his life. Up until his passing, Brendan cared for his late mother Joyce’s Timmy the Turtle and rescued many cats and dogs from local shelters. One could argue Brendan was also a rescuer of people as he never hesitated to help a friend in times of need, often opening his home to them. Many a friend at one time or another called his 527 High Street residence home; it may not have been modern or luxurious, but it was filled with Brendan, and thus filled with love.
As a husband and father, Brendan sacrificed to provide a good life for his family. Working long hours on his feet as a merchandiser for Seaview Beverage, Brendan would often log extra hours at his ailing body’s expense if it meant a better tomorrow for his family. He was a man of devotion, service to others, and sacrifice, and always quick to lend a hand. In Brendan’s case, this occasionally meant working long hours washing and folding laundry at a laundromat owned by his two friends or filling countless sandwich and soup orders at another friend’s deli. Though he’d often complain he was underpaid or that everything hurt, when it became time to begin the next day’s shift Brendan would be there ready to work. He would never want to let a friend down.
Brendan’s many friends scattered across the world will remember his warm welcoming smile, caring heart and unmatched loyalty that made Brendan our Brenny. We will remember our friend and how he fought the good fight and lived one day at a time in hopes of making the next “right” decision, we will remember our friend and brother who loved us unconditionally.
Visiting hours are Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.
