Brian Hemhauser, 76, of Manchester NJ, passed away on Friday September 28, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Brian was born in Long Branch, NJ on November 2, 1941 to the late Leo and Evelyn Hemhauser. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1960.
Brian was married in the summer of 1964 to the love of his life, Florence Malley. He made his devotion to her apparent in a million ways in the 54 years they were together, never missing an opportunity for an impromptu slow dance or quick hug. In addition to Florence, Brian is survived by his five children, Mark Hemhauser, Albany, CA, Jeanne Hemhauser-Ricci (Anthony), San Francisco, CA , Kevin Hemhauser (Maureen), Jackson, NJ, Karen Medeiros, Old Bridge, NJ, Christopher Hemhauser (Lindsay), Manchester, NJ, his 8 grandchildren, (Meghan, Jack, Zachary, Maxwell, Simon, Nicholas, Samantha and Tyler) his brother James Hemhauser of Connecticut, sister Lee “Bunny” Tyus of Utah, and many nieces and nephews. Brian was also preceded in death by his brother Richard Hemhauser.
Brian worked for the New Jersey Natural Gas Company for 34 years. When his children were young, he and Florence took the family camping nearly every summer, exploring the country on high-spirited road trips, including one all the way to Utah to visit family. Brian loved bluegrass music, rarely missing a bluegrass festival within driving distance. He played the spoons and made them as a hobby. Over the years, he sold sets of his custom wooden spoons to legendary bluegrass icons like Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe. Brian also loved going to California to visit wineries (though he often put ice in his Cabernet); attending Red Bull soccer games, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals and plays.
Brian did not just show up to the gatherings he loved; he was all in – singing, cheering, dancing, hosting and spreading the love. He was the first person on the dance floor at any party, often dragging half the party with him. A red-headed rascal and a charming prince, he was capable of making anyone and everyone laugh or smile. And he was always kind, a rare quality that will be missed.
Friends and family may gather Tuesday October 2, 2018 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ. A Mass will be held Wednesday October 3, 2018 10 am at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Toms River. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Just 4 Kixs Soccer,(https://paypal.me/just4kixs) a league that was very special to him, as it was started by his daughter Karen and is the largest soccer league in the country for children with special needs
