Obituary of Barbara F Hurley

Barbara F. Hurley, age 81 of Naples, Florida, formerly of Montclair, New Jersey, died peacefully in the company of family on Tuesday, May 23, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Jack Brenneis and her children, Keigher Nazarian (Jeremy) and James Hurley, Jr. (Oksana). She is also survived by her sisters, Ellen (Michael) Smithson, Ann (Ron) Bradley; her sister-in-law Jerri Ann Fortunato; her beloved grandchildren, Caroline, James, and Christopher Nazarian and Monica and Mark Hurley. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly forty years, James William Hurley; her parents, Angelo and Ellen Fortunato; and her brother, Kenneth Fortunato. 

A 1958 graduate of Montclair High School, Barbara attended Newton College, earning a bachelor’s degree in History in 1962.

Barbara had a lengthy and distinguished career as an executive at Katharine Gibbs and as Director of Marketing Communications at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. She touched many lives in her work with community organizations including the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, the Women’s Club of Upper Montclair, the Mercier Club, and Job Haines Home.

Barbara enjoyed a friendly competition, whether on the tennis court, or at bridge or mahjong table and would always compete zealously. A lover of books, theater, opera, and travel, she pursued a life of learning and exploration with boundless energy. 

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mendham on Friday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital or the ASPCA.