Edwin R. Brister Sr.

If someone had to describe Edwin R. Brister Sr. in one word it would be selfless. Whether he was helping to fix a piece of equipment for someone, or taking his late wife Cecilia to cancer treatments, Edwin always put others before himself. With a cigarette in his mouth and a Sons of Arthritis t-shirt, you knew he would get the job done. Born March 30th, 1959 to Beverly and John Brister, and growing up with his three brothers and two sisters, Edwin quickly discovered he had a knack for fixing things. This skill would later evolve into a career as a road mechanic for the New Jersey Department of Transportation. He took great pride in being the man people relied on to make their equipment safe and functional. Before he found his career though, he found the love of his life. Edwin, or Ed as he preferred, met Cecilia in high school and the two of them instantly hit it off. They were married shortly after graduating from Monmouth Regional HS in Eatontown NJ, and their love for one another never stopped. They spent their lives together at their 57 Pemberton Ave home in Oceanport NJ with their two sons, Edwin Brister Jr. and Benjamin Brister. They enjoyed boating and BBQs and as their children became adults, got to enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren. Edwin loved riding his Harley and throwing parties. He loved to laugh and loved making others laugh. Sometimes he would get frustrated and throw tools around the garage but a smile and a laugh quickly followed. Edwin would eventually lose his wife Cecilia to cancer in October of 2020. As devastated as he was, he still continued to be there for the people who needed him. His love for Cecilia stayed with him until his last breath. In the early morning hours of August 6th, 2022 while asleep in his bed Ed’s life was cut short. He was a bright light and a warm smile that will be missed by the countless number of lives he’s touched and friends he made along the way. Edwin is survived by his two sons Edwin Brister Jr. and Benjamin Brister; and four grandchildren, Liam, Nico, Cassidy, and Harley; as well as his two daughters-in-law Debbie and Romanette. He is also survived by his two brothers Dan and Jack; and two sisters Robin and Jamie. A memorial visitation to celebrate Ed’s life will be held 4-8 PM on Friday, August 19, 2022 at Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712. For online condolences, please visit Ed's memorial page at www.bongarzonefuneralhome.com

Edwin R. Brister Sr.

March 30, 1959 - August 6, 2022