Brian Steven Penn, 65, of Eatontown, NJ passed away on Sunday April 7, 2024, after suffering a fatal stroke.
The youngest of eight siblings, Brian was born on May 27, 1958, to Evelyn and Thomas Penn at Fitkin Hospital, (JSUMC) Neptune, NJ.
After graduating in the class of 1976 from Long Branch High School, Brian achieved an Associates degree from Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ. Upon his graduation from Brookdale, Brian traveled to Ohio where he earned a Bachelors degree in Hospital and Healthcare Facilities Administration. He completed his education at Cleveland State University where he received a Master of Science in Urban Planning and Development.
Having successfully completed his education, Brian then took his talents to California where he did consulting work for Community Services in Pasadena.
Brian returned to the East Coast around 1996 and worked for his hometown, the City of Long Branch, and was instrumental in developing the early plans for what now is Pier Village. Community development and the betterment of local small towns was his passion, with a focus on underserved communities with high minority populations. Working for the State of NJ in the Department of Community Affairs allowed him to facilitate and bring programs and grants to locals who might not have ever been aware of these benefits.
The ultimate” Techy,” Brian used his innate computer skills along with his knowledge of community development to start his own business, Future Systems, in 2010. He was very proud of his work and credited his success to having strong personal discipline. That unwavering drive and intense focus led him to further develop the skills necessary to provide the best for some very underserved communities.
While Brian's work was both important and the source of great satisfaction for him, his love for family was paramount. And never was that love more evident than in his devotion to his daughter, Sophia. His only child, Sophie, as she is affectionately called, was the joy of his heart. He did all he could to ensure she had the best education possible, from pre-school, through high school and her graduation from St. John's University, Brian was always there, encouraging and supporting. Ever the proud dad, he could always be heard cheering the loudest and smiling the most at her every achievement. And at what would be their last celebration together, Brian could not stop grinning and taking photos as Sophie achieved another academic milestone, receiving her White Coat in a ceremony as part of the Class of 2026, Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Rutgers University.
Brian is predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Thomas Penn II, his two older sisters Viola Penn (Penny) and Renee Robinson (Pinky).
He is survived by his beloved daughter Sophia R. Penn; siblings Thomas (Sheila) Penn III, Floree Penn, George Penn, Frances (Norman) Gwathney, and Edward (Estelle) Penn; nephews Jefferson Penn, who was like his brother, Odell Robinson, Khary Penn, Thomas Penn IV, Jamal and Darius Gwathney, Edward and Tristan Penn; nieces Ayanna Penn and Nikiya Perry; grandnieces, grandnephews and many cousins who grew up like brothers and sisters.
Brian's motto to his daughter was always that “the race was not for the swift but for those who could endure.”
Brian will be missed, but the family will always feel his love.
When he would visit our homestead, Brian’s warmth was felt in his persona and in his photo captures which highlighted the strength of family. His [pretty] eyes could see.through his camera lens what he knew would bring joy. A talent indeed.