Obituary of Michael Hurley

Michael Hurley passed away on July 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 15, 1933, in Crosshaven, County Cork, Ireland, to Timothy and Mary Ann (Whelton). Mike immigrated to the USA in 1957, initially working in construction. He drove to Alaska for work and was there to celebrate when Alaska became a state in 1959. After returning to New Jersey, he was drafted into the Army later that year, serving in Germany alongside "Elvis." Upon his return, he pursued a career in mechanics and eventually established his own business, MBM Truck & Trailer, in Carlstadt, New Jersey. As the physical demands of his work grew, Mike retired, but his boundless energy led him to purchase Garrison's Motel in 1995. In 2003, he became a year-round resident of LBI, having previously lived in Denville and Long Valley, New Jersey. Mike was known as the "energizer bunny" and kept busy with skiing trips across the United States, from Colorado to Vermont, and even enjoyed skydiving and flying with a private pilot’s license. An original fan of the Titans, now known as the NY Jets, Mike held season tickets and passionately supported the NY Mets, though they often left him exasperated. His enthusiasm for sports was infectious, especially during intense Jets games, where his spirited cheering could "wake the dead" on a Sunday afternoon. Beyond sports and adventure, Mike was deeply involved in his community and family life. He played Irish football for the North Jersey Irish American Society in his youth and was a devoted supporter of his children's sports activities in Mount Olive, whether baseball, football, or softball. He loved traveling, from the Caribbean to Europe, and fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Normandy. Mike is survived by his wife Marianne, married since November 26, 1966, his daughter Kahlie (Mark Escobedo), son Tim (Hope Altman), and his beloved grandchildren Rory, Ellie, Bryn, and Brody. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Catherine, Patrick, Jim, Ida, Joe, Peggy, Maudie, and Tady, as well as his nephew Frank, who died in Iraq in 2004. He is also remembered fondly by his brother-in-law Tom Rowe (Siobhan) and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, including those from his Army days. Though there is never a good time to say goodbye, Mike lived a fulfilling life, achieving much of what he set out to do. Please hold his memory close in your thoughts and prayers, and as Mike would say, "thanks for the memories." We love you, Mike.