NJ Trooper From Bedminster Dedicated Life To Serving Others

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Even at a young age, Brian John McNally knew that he wanted to lead a life of service in uniform always believing in honor, duty and fidelity.

McNally, 30, of Bedminster, was a New Jersey State Trooper and captain in the U.S. Marines. He tragically died in a fiery two-vehicle crash on I-78 in Pennsylvania on Sunday night.

"He always had a smile, is described by friends as 'True Blue' and when he committed to task not only was he focused but he gave it his all each and every time," his obituary states from Doyle Funeral Home.

Born in Livingston, McNally was a recent resident of Bedminster though he lived most of his life in Morris Township and Morristown. He was a 2006 graduate of Morristown High School where he played football and lacrosse and was a member of the swim team.

As a member of Boy Scout Troop 34, he earned the achievement of Eagle Scout. Additionally, McNally was co-President of the Heritage Club, a volunteer with Morris Habitat for Humanity, and a Cromwell Hills lifeguard.

At the age of 14 he became a certified EMT with the Morris Minute Men (local ambulance squad), and a volunteer member of the Morris Township Fire Department at age 16. He then attended The Citadel where he participated with the Color Guard, attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) the summer of his junior year and was the XO for Palmetto Battery Company his senior year. He graduated in May 2010 and was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

McNally attended and graduated from the Marines’ Basic School at Quantico, Virginia prior to being stationed at Twenty-Nine Palms, California as a member of the Wolfpack Infantry Unit.

McNally served as an Active Duty Marine for four years, attaining the rank of 1st Lt. including a tour in Afghanistan and most recently as a captain in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

In March of 2014 he attended the New Jersey State Police Academy and graduated in August that year.

"We hope everyone knows how much Brian sought to dedicate his life to serving his country, state and hometown community," the obituary states.

McNally is the beloved son of Barbara and Kevin McNally, brother of Maureen McNally, cousin of Tara Sedgwick, Heather Gorman, Laura Lincoln, Kyle, Kasey and Kelly Dunbar, Stephen, Gregory and Timothy Breen and many aunts, uncles and second cousins.

"Brian was an avid Giants and Yankees fan and was larger than life, not only based on his size but because everyone clearly knew when Brian was in the room between his height, booming voice and infectious laugh," according to his obituary.

All are welcome to attend Brian’s Life Celebration and viewing Tuesday, May 29 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Mass both being held at The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 91 Maple Ave., Morristown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated in Brian’s name to one of the following:

• NJ State Police Survivors of the Triangle - 800 Denow Road, Suite C # 385, Pennington, N.J. 08534
• Semper Fi Fund
• Minute Men - PO Box 192 Morris Plains, N.J. 07950

NJ Governor Phil Murphy has also ordered that flags fly at half-staff on Tuesday, May 29. (See Related: Flags To Fly At Half-Staff To Honor NJ Trooper From Bedminster)

• See Related: Off-Duty NJ Trooper From Bedminster Killed In PA Crash

(Image via New Jersey State Police: Brian John McNally, 30, of Bedminster)

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