Crime & Safety

Body of Missing Clammer Ed Broderick Found In Highlands

Broderick was a resident of Sea Bright, NJ

State Police confirm that the body retrieved from the waters of the Captain's Cove Marina in Highlands on Friday is that of Edward John Broderick Jr., a clammer who had been reported lost at sea since Dec. 13.

State Police Trooper Alina Spies said an investigation into his death is ongoing, but no foul play is suspected. 

According to his obituary, Broderick was a 38-year old self-employed commercial fisherman working out of the depuration plants in Highlands and Sea Bright. His submerged boat was recovered from the clamming facility at the time of his reported disappearance. 

He worked as part of the fleet for J. T. White Clam Plant in Highlands. He was a member of the Sandy Hook Alliance of Real Clammers.

Broderick started his professional career in the fishing industry at the age of 14 after being designated the "Custom Fly Tier" for the Orvis Company's NYC store, according to information in his obituary. 

He was a graduate of Westfield High School and attended Monmouth University prior to gaining his Captain's License and fishing full time. He was an expert fly caster and all around fishing expert.

Born in Elizabeth, he resided in Westfield before moving to and living in the Monmouth County area.

Surviving are his spouse, Kelly Grayson Broderick of Manahawkin; a daughter, Makena Grace Broderick, at home; his parents, Edward J. Sr. & Mary Joan Broderick of Cape May; and a brother, Derek Broderick of Maui, Hawaii.

A memorial gathering was held Jan. 11, 2014 in  Atlantic Highlands.
A Trust Fund was established for Makena Broderick and donations may be sent to Makena Broderick, 3 Clay Court, Cape May, NJ 08204. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.