Michael J. Breslin Jr., Esq.

Michael J. (“Jerry”) Breslin, Jr. Oradell - Jerry passed away after osteoarthritis related ailments on March 29, 2023. Jerry grew up in Rutherford, NJ. He was the son of Michael J. and Kathleen Carey Breslin, and brother of Betty Ruffer (deceased), and Kathy Breslin Verdon. Jerry’s wife, Mary Heney Breslin, passed on September 25, 2018. Jerry is survived by his son Sean (Terry), daughters Mary Breslin and Kate Crowder (Tobi). His son Michael J. Breslin III predeceased him in 1987. He had 5 grandchildren whom he adored: Michael, Tom, and Kevin Breslin, and Grace and Lily Crowder. He loved attending their theater and sporting events, and playing golf and discussing various topics with them. Jerry was a 1955 graduate of St. Mary’s H.S. where he was a 4 year performer in basketball, football (QB), and baseball. He became St. Mary’s 1st basketball player to score 1,000 points, ending his career with 1,054. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. Jerry also received the Bergen Record Athlete of the Week honors for basketball in 1955. Jerry graduated from Fordham University and Law School, which meant so much to him. (He wore his Fordham sweatshirt up until the end). After college, he spent 7.5 years in the Reserves and was a first Lieutenant and platoon leader. Jerry had a very colorful legal, political, and civic career. He was recognized by various Judges as a top NJ trial attorney. He was President of the Bergen County Bar Association (1977), and was Planning Board Attorney, Borough Prosecutor, and Borough Attorney for numerous towns. He was recipient of Achievement Award in Public Life (Fordham alum, 1979), and Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Public Official award (1982). He also was CYO chair and President of Bergen Council Boy Scouts of America. Jerry was Bergen County Democratic Chair (1973) but had many Republican friends along the way. He was Bergen County Campaign Manager for Governor Brendan Byrne and Bill Bradley, as well as Finance Chair for Bill Bradley (US Senate 1984). He was a member of the NJ Sports & Exposition Authority and Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission (at the time Giants Stadium was being built). Jerry’s accomplishments were endless. He was motivated to get things done, achieve justice and help those less fortunate. He was a storyteller, and a fighter and could be intimidating, but behind that exterior was a big heart and a very compassionate and spiritual man. Jerry asked to be remembered as a family man, rather than for his career. We are so grateful for the family man he was, and for the fun and interesting life he and our mother provided. He simply loved life. Jerry always had a positive outlook on everything. He never complained about his health (11 surgeries) or other problems. There was never a mountain too high…or a challenge too great. Fighter to the end. We want to thank all his caretakers at Holy Name, Englewood Hospital, Jewish Home and especially “Joe”. Thanks also to our dear relatives and friends for all their support at the end of Jerry’s amazing journey. Viewing will be Friday. March 31, 2023 from 2-7PM, at Volk Leber Funeral Home , 268 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 am, at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: https://www.oafifoundation.com/en/foundation/, or https://give.fordham.edu/fordham-basketball-new-era-fund