Anthony " Tony" J. Brennan, Jr. 65, of Barnegat, NJ a longtime former Elizabeth resident entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 1, 2023.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, August 6, 2023 in St. Genevieve's Church 220 Monmouth Road Elizabeth, from 3 to 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Genevieve's Church on Monday, August 7th at 10:30am (please arrive at church by 10:15am). Entombment will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery Colonia.

Tony Brennan was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, but spent 61 years living in the City of Elizabeth until moving to Barnegat in 2022. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and the former Kean College of New Jersey, which is now Kean University, where he received degrees in history and political science. He was the ultra-proud husband of Donna Brennan and was the proud daddy of their dog, Maddie.

Tony came from an Irish family that has 4 generations and over 300 collective years in public service and law enforcement on many levels. He was particularly proud of his family's distinction of being one of the true '.'Blue Blood" families in the history of the state of New Jersey and was honored to have contributed to this distinction. He was the fourth member of his family in three generations to be honored by the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.

Tony worked for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs as an investigator for over 32 years. During his tenure, he served in leadership positions in numerous major investigations which protected our state's consumers from fraudulent activities. He also ran many state-wide task forces which were designed to check for compliance with our state's Consumer Fraud Act and related regulations. Additionally, Tony served as Training Officer for the New Jersey Office of Consumer Protection for 22 years in which he was responsible for training and certifying hundreds of investigators and administrative personnel in the Consumer Affair Network of our state in our consumer laws, regulations and investigative techniques. He is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations because of his efforts.

In addition to his government work, Tony has also worked in media. He was a member -of the staff of 2 local Union County commercial radio stations; WJDM and WERA Additionally, he has worked in cable television .in Union County. In May 2023, he celebrate his 30th anniversary in this field. Tony has hosted numerous public affairs programs throughout the decades, which were designed to educate viewers on various aspects of local and county government initiatives.  Tony enjoyed writing, producing  and narrating countless human interest stories on TV which showcased some of the best people and events Union County had to offer.

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Tony's all-time favorite event to do television on the Annual Union County Saint Patrick's Day Parade. He has been a part of TV on our parade since it's inception in 1997 arid is so honored to 'be called "The Voice" of the Union County Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Tony was a member of numerous organizations in our county, including, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick the Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee (where he served as Parade General Chairman in 2015 and was the current Parade Historian). the Union County Emerald Society, Knights of Columbus Council 253, where he is a 3rd Degree member, Knights of Columbus John Gilmary Shea Association, where he was a 4th Degree member, the Irish American Society of' Union, Union Elks Lodge·1583 and the Kean University Alumni Association where he served as Kean Alumni President from 200l-2005.

Tony was a longtime member of St. Genevieve's Church where he served as an usher, Eucharistic minister and lector.

Tony enjoys spending time with his family and loved summers at Baywood  Marina in Brick, New Jersey, where he was affectionately called "The Mayor" of the marina. ···        ·

Tony has dedicated his life to making a difference for the better for others. He was so honored to receive the Outstanding Award for Public Service from an organization which has also made a difference for the better for others since it's inception in 1962.

Tony was predeceased by his parent's Anthony Brennan in 2004 and Florence Cortellessa Brennan in 2017 and a brother Jeffrey. He is survived by his loving wife Donna Giovannetti Brennan. A brother Paul J. Brennan of Toms River, his sister in-law Clare Longworth and her husband John. Cherished uncle to Paul Jr., Jeffrey and Alyssa Brennan, and to William and Jack Longworth.

Please omit Flowers. In-lieu of flowers donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering at MSKCC.Org or to Compassionate Care Hospice in his memory would be appreciated.