Obituary of Dr. Declan O'Scanlon, Sr.

Dr. Declan O’Scanlon, Sr., 92, of Colts Neck passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 16, 2021.  He was born in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland and came to the United States in 1955. He graduated from St. Ignatius College and continued his education at the University College, both in Galway, Ireland. Dr. O’Scanlon completed his residency in Waterbury, CT and then served as the resident physician and clinical psychiatrist at Marlboro State Hospital.  He worked at Riverview Medical Center for over 40 years, and had an office in Red Bank where he continued practicing until the time of his death.  Dr. O’Scanlon was also a member of the American Psychiatric Society and the Colts Neck Republican County Committee. 

He was the recipient of the Order of St. Brendan, a recognition awarded to native-born Irishmen who enhance the Irish culture, being honored for over 50 years of exemplary care to families and individuals in times of acute crisis, while imparting his wisdom, charm, and Irish wit.  A highlight of his younger years was when he was cast as an extra in the film A Quiet Man and was honored to meet John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. 

Dr. O’Scanlon was predeceased by his son, David Aaron O’Scanlon in 2017.  He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carol O’Scanlon of Colts Neck; sons, N.J. State Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Jr. and his wife, Heather of Little Silver, and Sean O’Scanlon of Colts Neck; daughter, Jennifer O’Scanlon and her husband, Brian Vint of Oceanport; and six grandchildren, Kyle, Connor, Kayla, Elly, Colin and Quinn. He will be missed by his three adoring dogs, Dublin, Bounder and his best cuddle buddy, Missy.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM funeral service on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the funeral home. For those that cannot attend in person, the family invites you to participate via webcast. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.  For those who desire, contributions in memory of Dr. O’Scanlon may be made to Love Thy Neighbor, Post Office Box 4096, Long Branch, NJ 07740.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com