Obituary of Samuel J. Brinton

S. Jervis Brinton, Jr., a gracious gentleman and a generous contributor to the Morris County and New Jersey philanthropic and business community, died on Tuesday in Basking Ridge from complications of cancer. He was 87. For over 60 years, Mr. Brinton served as the leader, chairman, and visionary of many organizations. He was a founding partner of Brinton Eaton Associates in Madison, a former Executive Vice President of Midlantic National Bank, and a founding Director of Red Oak Bank. He also served as president of the Midlantic National Bank and Trust Company, Florida. He chaired the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation and the Marcus L. Ward Home/Winchester Gardens, as well as the Kessler Rehabilitation Corp. and the Morris Museum. In addition, Mr. Brinton was a Trustee of several other non-profit organizations, including Bloomfield College, the Morristown Medical Center Foundation, and the NJN Foundation. Upon graduating from Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia, Mr. Brinton left for Williams College to join the class of 1946. He left Williams College early, however, to join millions of others in his cohort to enlist in the U.S. army. He was stationed in England during World War II and following the war, he returned to Williams where he earned his bachelor's degree, accompanied by his new bride Helen Baker of Kentucky. Mr. Brinton subsequently earned his MBA from New York University and attended Seton Hall Law School. A lifelong Quaker, he demonstrated those values throughout his personal and public life, including humility, compassion for others, civic engagement and generosity, education, and dedication to family. An avid sailor, tennis player, and golfer, Mr. Brinton enthusiastically maintained an active intellectual and physical life. He was a long-time member of the Morris Golf Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, the Stone Harbor and Lavallette Yacht Clubs, and the Morristown Club. He is pre-deceased by his first wife of 52 years, Helen Baker Brinton, and his sister Ann Raab. He is survived by his devoted wife, Antonia Marotta Brinton; his loving children, Samuel III, Patricia Carr, and J. Christopher, and their spouses; and his grandchildren, Turner, Garrison, Matthew, Trevor, Emma, and David. He was embraced by his five stepchildren and their wonderful families and was grateful for their love and devotion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the following organizations: Bloomfield College, Morris Museum, or Morristown Medical Center Foundation. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 70 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960. Funeral services are under the direction of Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung. To send condolences please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com