3/13/73 – 5/1/2024
We are heartbroken to share the sad news of the passing of Brian.
Brian was born in Toms River, NJ and spent his childhood in Manahawkin. He loved exploring nature in the “yellow grass” near home, and creating quirky, and comical stories with friends. Brian was creative and his own person, and you could say he walked to the beat of a different drummer.
Brian’s love of writing progressed from these childhood stories to winning entries into school poetry assignments, and eventually to achieving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Writing from the University of Wisconsin.
Brian’s career path took many turns in many locations, with time spent in Portland Maine, Manasquan, NJ, Ocean Grove, NJ, and most recently Fargo, ND. Brian always claimed to enjoy the extreme cold temperatures of Fargo winters.
Brian was a DJ, a poet, a writer, a reporter, a travel agent, and tried out a few other jobs along the way. His love of music covered many different generations of musicians. Brian was never into television and instead preferred to immerse himself in books, electronics, computers, music, hiking, and writing.
Brian leaves behind his parents and step parents, Nancy and Henry Dell’Osso and Thomas and Colleen O’Keefe, his former wife, Madona O’Keefe, his sister Kelly O’Keefe, and brother Daniel O’Keefe. He was predeceased by his sister Hayley, and loving grandparents.
A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Tuckerton on June 5 at 11
To leave online condolences and fond memories of Brian for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com
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