Howard R. Hirst, Jr. (AKA Poppy), 84 of Point Pleasant Boro, passed away on Monday October 24, 2022, at Ocean Medical Center, Brick, surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born in Elizabeth, NJ and raised in Point Pleasant, where he was a graduate of Point Pleasant Beach High School. After high school he enlisted into the US Navy and served from 1957 to 1959. After his enlistment he began his over 30-year career with JCP&L as a lineman and then a substation foreman before his retirement. Howard loved all types of boating and fishing. He was a member of the Toms River Yacht Club, the Gilford Park Yacht Club, the American Legion Post 348, Brick, and Point Pleasant Elks Lodge 1698, where he was a life member.
Howard was predeceased by his parents Howard and Mary Hirst, a daughter Jennifer Caputo Hirst, and a grandson Tyler O’Rourke. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Jean (nee Bruker) of Point Pleasant Boro, NJ, his children Scott Hirst of CA., Vincent O’Rourke and his wife Christine of Stuart, FL., Kathleen Miller and her husband Jack of Brick, NJ, and Kelly Morton and her husband Brian of Howell, NJ. Howard was the cherished grandfather to Zachary, Jake, Ryan, Matthew, Alexander, Jack, and Corey. He was also survived by his sister Gail Van Bergen and her husband Ronald of Stuart, Fl., a niece Susan Judnick and her husband Brian and a nephew Steven.
Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. All services are private. Donations may be made in memory of Howard “Poppy” Hirst, to Mya Lin Terry Foundation, 1637 Finderne Street Oakhurst, NJ 07755. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net