Hugh J. O'Kane

Hugh J. O’Kane, 88, of Ridgefield, NJ, passed on August 28, 2023.

Hugh was born into humble beginnings on August 9, 1935 in Englewood, NJ.  He was raised with his 5 siblings in Edgewater, NJ.  One of Hugh’s favorite childhood memories was his Holy Communion.  He fondly remembered celebrating the occasion with his twin brother, William (Billy), who would later succumb to Leukemia at age 17.  

Hugh was a proud veteran and served as a Corporal in the US Army from 1953 - 1955.  He credited the armed services for providing him with structure, discipline, and the life skills that would benefit him for years to come.

Hugh was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) for 38 years.  At the time of his retirement, Hugh had the longest tenure of any active employee at A-P-A Transport.

Although Hugh was known for his strong work ethic, his commitment to spend quality time with his family was paramount.  Hugh coached all his sons in baseball and regarded those experiences as some of the best times in his life. 

Hugh enjoyed traveling with his wife stateside and abroad.  He cited a visit to the Vatican as a peak travel experience.  Hugh also recalled reading about Pompeii as a child and traveled there as an adult to fulfill a bucket list wish.   

In his final days, Hugh expressed that he had no regrets in life. He will be best remembered as a family man who lived a full life on his terms.  

Predeceased by his beloved parents, Francis and Catherine O’Kane, and his brothers, Francis and William.  Hugh is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (Savoia) O’Kane, his sisters, Theresa Shaw and Maureen O’Kane, his brother, Edward (Eddie Boy), his sons, John, James, and Michael, his granddaughter, Jennifer, and his great granddaughter, Avery Grace.

Visiting at Blackley FH is scheduled on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.  Funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 10:00am.  Entombment will follow at Fairview Mausoleum. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Name Medical Center Ways to Give/Gift Opportunities (holyname.org).

The family would also like to express its appreciation and gratitude to the Holy Name Medical Center Nursing Staff, including Hospice Care.  Although the acts of kindness and compassion from so many staff members are all noteworthy, the family would like to recognize Daphne Kuscan for taking exceptional care of Hugh and Dabranson Allen for his ability to uplift our spirits during a difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hugh J. O'Kane, please visit our floral store.