Obituary of James A. Breslin, Jr.

James A. Breslin, Jr. (Jim) died peacefully at home with his family by his side.  James was born in Newark and lived his entire life in Lyndhurst.  He attended Oratory Prep School in Summit thru the twelfth grade and went on to graduate from St. Bonaventure University, Class of 1964, B.A. where he was a standout basketball player, Seton Hall University, Class of 1967, J.D.  While at St. Bonaventure, his team was invited to compete in the NIT, an accomplishment he was very proud of. James married his beloved wife Rosemarie in 1967.  Both James and his wife Rosemarie taught together at Sacred Heart School while James studied for the bar exam which he proudly was admitted to in 1968 joining his father in a generational law firm here in Lyndhurst eventually taking over the practice where he continued for the rest of his career.

In the late 1970’s James was appointed Municipal Court Judge for the Township of Lyndhurst, a position he proudly held for almost 25 years after which being appointed Board of Adjustment Attorney for the township until 2019, when his health no longer permitted him to continue working.  Until that time, James was an integral part of our town’s history and community, very proud of his work and dedication to his career and family.  He spent many years volunteering in town, coaching both little league baseball and basketball, was an active member of the Lyndhurst ELKS Club 1505, including serving as their Exalted Ruler and in his free time enjoyed swimming, gardening, spending time with his family and watching his children and grandchildren participate in their sporting events, something he took great pride in. Anyone who knew Jim knew if you couldn't find him, he was on the golf course.  His heaven on earth was in Pinehurst, North Carolina where he visited yearly with friends for his annual golf trip. 

James is predeceased by his beloved daughter, Michelle E. Rogan (John) in 2018 and by his cherished granddaughter, Dorothy Ruth Lanzalotto in 2003 and brother Paul in 2005.  He is survived by beloved wife of 58 years, Rosemarie (nee Melone) Breslin, by his loving children, Christine Halloran & her husband, James, Jennifer Lanzolotto & her husband, Nicholas, and Kevin Breslin & his wife, Karen, by his dear grandchildren, David Pickard (April), Thomas Halloran (Devin), Kevin Halloran, Meghan Praszek (Kamil), Emily Rogan, Christiana and Patrick Breslin, Victoria Rogan, Joseph Lanzolotto, Thomas Rogan, and Olivia Lanzolotto, his two great grandchildren, Luciana and Christian Pickard.  James is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held at the Nazare Memorial Home Inc,403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 3 PM – 7 PM.  All will gather at the funeral home on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9 AM then to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lyndhurst where at 10AM a funeral mass will be offered.  Cremation will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lyndhurst Emergency Squad, 297 Delafield Avenue, Lyndhurst NJ 07071.  You may express your condolences to James' family by using our tribute wall.