Thomas N. Brounley of Fair Haven passed away peacefully in his sleep Feb. 14, 2021. He was 82 years old. Born to Richard and Barbara “Babs” Brounley, he spent his early childhood in Little Silver with his twin brother Dr. David W. Brounley of Cincinnati, Ohio, and older brother Richard of Florida. He was a graduate of Monmouth University and was employed with the U.S. Department of Treasury for 41 years.
Tom enlisted in the Coast Guard and served as a reservist for eight years. He joined the United Methodist Church of Red Bank where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Murphy. Tom and Kathy were devoted to each other and, in his final years, Kathy became his everything. They were married and had 58 years together. Tom and Kathy moved to Fair Haven where they raised their daughters Laurie and Amy.
Not one to sit still, Tom was active in the church for 60 years. He served as a baseball and softball coach, was a member of the Fair Haven Fire Police for 22 years and was an avid walker always seen around Fair Haven talking to anyone and every dog along the way. He was very proud of his service with the FHFP and looked forward to working the candy booth every fair season as well as the annual car show in the autumn.
His greatest joy in life was his family and he adored his grandchildren and being their Pop-pop. He was a willing volunteer when his granddaughters wanted to style his hair. He enjoyed playing chess and taking walks with his grandson.
For over 45 years, Tom and Kathy spent two weeks on Lake Winnipesaukee where they were part of a tight-knit group of families that returned year after year to Colonial Pines and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. They had a beautiful life together.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Murphy Brounley of Tinton Falls; two daughters, Laurie Brounley Bready of Texas and Amy Brounley of Pennsylvania; his three grandchildren, Samuel, Madison and Lindsay Bready; nephew Todd of Arizona; and his twin brother Dave. He was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Richard.
Thompson Funeral Home in Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements. Tom will be interred at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers in his memory to the Fair Haven Fire Department or the Scholastic Assistance Fund at the United Methodist Church in Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the February 25 – March 3, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
