Patrick J. Brilly

Patrick J. Brilly, of Forked River, was born in Newark, NJ on April 19, 1945 to Patrick C. and Mary Brilly.

He was a proud first generation Irish American, raised in East Orange (NJ); a Graduate of Our Lady Help of Christians and East Orange High School (class of 1963).

Pat married his lifelong love, Carole Sullivan, and lived in Union before moving to Forked River in 1977.  He was active with his young children, coaching softball and basketball, and serving as an officer in Lacey Township Youth Athletic Association.

He had a 54-year career in the automotive/heavy duty industry, starting as a truck driver and then moving onto sales.  His dedication and ambition were soon recognized, as he advanced to VP of sales and marketing at several companies. In 2000 he became Northeast Regional Manager at Delco Remy, where his duties included sales, marketing, and training of electrical systems.  He was respected and admired throughout the HD industry, where he served on customer advisory boards for several companies, including Motorola. He also served two terms on the oldest trade association in the industry, AEA, and was chairman of the board 1999-2000. After his retirement he remained active as a consultant to the transit industry.

Pat was an active member of St. Pius Church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, regularly serving at 4PM Saturday mass.  He loved serving in this role for the sick and homebound, being both humbled and honored to bring Christ into their homes.  He was also a member of the Men’s Disciples group and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

 Although he had many titles throughout his life, the ones that made him happiest were Honey, Dad, and Grandpa. The most precious times in his life were spent with his wife Carole, his daughters, their husbands, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  While the pandemic postponed a surprise 75th birthday party back in April, it was celebrated in September where he was surrounded by loving family and lifetime friends where many a memory were shared.

 Pat did not lose his battle with COPD; instead on December 21 he declared victory and went on to rejoin his beloved wife Carole, his family who preceded him, and his best friends (Joe and Ponsi).

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Emerson.

Success to Pat was family. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Kathleen Ianuzzi, and his beloved wife, Carole (2005) and leaves behind 3 daughters, Kathleen Miklosey (and her husband Robert), Marybeth Chirelli, and Patricia Fraley (and her husband Scott); 8 grandchildren, Jay (and Nicole Ficke), Shannon (and Steve Dreher), Lauren, Erin, Megan, Kayla, Jess, and Jack; and 2 great-granddaughters, Teagan and Taylin.

In lieu of flowers, donations In Memory of Patrick would be appreciated to either the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Please see the donation links below.

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