Obituary of James "Brian" O'Shea

James “Brian” O’Shea, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, passed away @ Penn Medicine Princeton after a short illness, Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the age of 61. A lifelong area resident, Brian was born in Trenton on December 30, 1958. He spent his childhood in Lawrence, before moving to Pennington to raise a family, then recently residing back in Lawrence. His knowledge of local Mercer County history earned him the nicknames of “The Mayor” and “Mr. Trenton,” among his many friends. Brian graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1976. He went on to earn a degree in English Literature & Linguistics from Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey. After college Brian began a career in heavy duty truck sales at his family-owned Mack Truck dealership, Trenton Mack Sales & Service. He later became Vice President and co-owner of O’Shea Trucking Center (Mack, Volvo, Hino) in Hamilton, NJ, which twice earned the prestigious designation of Dealer of the Year. When O'Shea Truck Center was sold to the Bergey organization in 2010, Brian stayed on as the Director of Remarketing, heading up the Used Truck Sales Division, where he had a loyal customer following handling new truck and municipal sales. As written by the President of New Truck Sales Division at Bergey’s, “Brian was an integral part of Bergey’s Truck Center’s many years of continued success and was a man who clearly demonstrated on a daily basis their core values. There wasn’t anybody who was as passionate about the business, who demonstrated the highest level of integrity in all he did, was as committed to Bergey’s team members and always doing the next right thing, who held himself accountable to not just perform the day to day tasks he expected of himself, but help others achieve their goals, regardless if it was in his job description or not, and lastly, was a very faithful steward not just to Bergey’s, but to the suppliers, customers, and most importantly his family, whom I know meant everything to him.” An avid stock car racing fan, Brian was a co-owner of a very successful Dirt Modified Stock Car Racing Team from 1980-2003. He enjoyed stock car racing and could often be found in the pits doing whatever was needed. Son of the late Charles M. and Eleanor D. O’Shea, Brian is predeceased by his sister Teresa (Tera) Hohmann. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Catherine (Merrow) O’Shea, and three sons who adored him, Craig (St. Thomas USVI), Tyler and his wife Jamie (Haroz) (Marlton, NJ), and Kevin (Lawrence, NJ). Brian is also survived by four siblings and their spouses: C. Michael O’Shea and his wife, Lea; D. Patrick O’Shea and his wife, Donna; Charlene Anderson and her husband, Patrick; and Ellen Brown and her husband, Scott; and brother-in-law, Larry Hohmann. Brian was a devoted and enormously proud father, who could always be found courtside of his sons’ basketball games. He treasured his time with his family, and was extremely involved with his sons, instilling in them a foundation of integrity, compassion and selflessness. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, and loved spending time with close friends, among whom his quick wit and sense of humor were legendary. His larger than life smile, generous nature and selfless endeavors were well known to not only his family and friends, but to all who knew him. He was always willing to lend a hand; no request was too big or too small. Brian will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews, as well as his many friends, with whom he was very close, and with whom he shared decades of laughter and adventures. He had a deep affection for animals, especially his dogs Lilly and Hadley. Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 30, 2020 (Brian’s birthday) from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors (across from Notre Dame HS) 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 0868. Visitation will be limited to 35 guests at one time, wearing masks, social distancing and keeping in compliance with COVID-19 precautions is a must. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at 10:30 am at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 115 East Delaware Ave, Pennington, NJ. Burial will be private for immediate family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity close to your heart, in honor and memory of Brian’s life.