Eamonn David Wholley, 18, of Montclair

Eamonn David Wholley, 18, took his life Thursday, May 30, after a long and valiant struggle with severe depression.

Eamonn, the middle child of three boys, had a sardonic wit that always made people laugh. He loved good food of any kind, reading, world travel, family reunions on Martha’s Vineyard, playing video games, and helping take care of his two-year old cousin Luke, the son of his beloved godmother, Aunt Anne, and Uncle Glen in California.  He loved playing with the family terrier, Fiona, at any hour of the day.

Eamonn will always be remembered for his quiet courage and his perseverance in fighting his illness.  Against formidable odds, he maintained an excellent academic record at Montclair High School and had been accepted into many colleges, choosing to attend Skidmore College in the fall. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and a coxswain on the MHS crew team for two years.

He loved spending time with his large family, including 13 aunts and uncles, nine cousins, and three grandparents: Norman Wholley of Stamford, CT, and Catherine and Clarence O’Crowley of Vernon, CT.

He is survived by his loving mother and father, Peggy O’Crowley and David Wholley, and his brothers James and Julian Wholley, all of Montclair.  He will be long remembered and always missed.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, June 3, from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street in Montclair.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 4 at St. Cassian Roman Catholic Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue in Upper Montclair. 

The family requests that donations be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, a nonprofit  organization that focuses on mental health research.  Donations may be made online at www.bbrfoundation.org, by mail, or by phone at 800-829-8289.  Donations made “In Memory of Eamonn Wholley” will be devoted to understanding causes and improving treatments of depression.