Greater Morristown to bid farewell to Brian McNally, State Trooper and Afghanistan vet killed in car crash

By Max Felsenstein

Morristown will say goodbye this week to Brian McNally, a 30-year-old State Trooper and graduate of Morrristown High School who was killed in an off-duty car crash in Pennsylvania on May 20 while driving home from U.S. Marine Corps Reserves duty.

A viewing is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Assumption Church, 91 Maple Ave., Morristown. It will be followed by a funeral mass on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Brian’s father, Kevin McNally, said his son knew from an early age that he wanted to spend his life serving country and community.

At 14, he became an EMT with the Morris Minute Men and at 16, a volunteer firefighter in Morris Township. After graduation, Brian served in Afghanistan with the Marines.

“Helping was just a part of his DNA. He was always in the mindset that he was going to be a civil servant,” his father said.

Kevin McNally recalled a particular event while watching his son at a high school swim meet.

“I was in the rafters when I saw Brian throw his pants on over his swim trunks and run toward the exit. When I called out to ask where he was going, he replied ‘Dad, there’s a house on fire, I have to go!’ He was just that type of kid.”

Brian McNally was honored with a moment of silence at Monday’s Memorial Day observance on the Morristown Green. Gov. Phil Murphy expressed condolences last week to the family of the Bedminster resident.

Morristown Police Chief Pete Demnitz coached Brian McNally in youth baseball.

“He was a great kid. I was very proud when he invited me to his Eagle Scout ceremony,” said Demnitz.

After the chief spoke at that gathering, McNally gave a speech of his own, his father recounted.

“Coach Pete, after you retire, I’m taking your job,” the teenager said at the event.

Brian McNally is survived by his parents and sister.

Max Felsenstein is a writing and communications major at Drew University, Class of 2020.