John F. Brennan, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on October 25, 2013. He was born in Kearny, NJ on July 22, 1923, son of the late John and Catherine (Higgins) Brennan. John was faithful to and honored his country by actively serving for five years in the US Navy during WWII and later joined the US Air Force and served an additional two years. He served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII and also saw action in the European Theatre of Operations. John was proud to be a veteran and one could witness his devotion to the military by the WWII Veterans hat he always wore. John always expressed his gratitude for the appreciation shown by a country that considered him part of the greatest generation in its history. After his military career he worked for American Can Company in New Jersey for 30 years until his retirement. John was a devout Catholic and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bloomfield, NJ. John was well known and respected by his many friends he came to know during his life in Bloomfield. Zak, his four legged canine friend, looked forward to John s visits to Stobb s Printing Shop, where he accompanied him on his daily errands. While visiting Evelyn and Gayle at the printing shop, his good friend Chris Markham would always greet John as Veteran . John was loved by his family and friends for his outgoing personality, wit and charm. He was known by all for his infectious smile as his parents and sisters referred to him as their Smiling Jack. He flew down from NJ to Jacksonville in July to celebrate his 90th birthday with his family and close friends. Uncle John was thrilled to have such a grand celebration of his life. Let us not forget the apples of his eye were his great nieces, Caroline, Catherine and great nephew Stephen. They too adored their great Uncle John. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Eileen Joan Brennan and a brother-in-law Oscar H. Bonner. Surviving him are his dear sister, Elizabeth Lil Bonner, cherished nieces, Eileen (Tom) Bain, Colleen (Steve) Frick, great nieces and nephews, Caroline F. Harby (William), Catherine E. Bain, Stephen A. Frick Jr. (Olivia), and cousin Eileen B. Goldman (Mike). He will be missed by special friends Evelyn Padalino, Gayle Tunstead, Lonnie Leonardo, Cookie Lake, Paul Sant Ambrogio, Joanne Murch and many other dear friends in Bloomfield. Our appreciation extends out to the physicians and staff on the 4th floor at St. Vincent s Riverside Hospital for their professional care and concern and the outstanding visiting staff from St. Vincent s Home Health Care Department. The family also wants to thank the staff for the wonderful treatment and support he was given at the Earl B. Hadlow Care Center Hospice. Finally, our gratitude to Dr. Jesus Pulido, Dr. C. Robledo and Mary Elliott for their special care. A Mass of celebration will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at San Jose Catholic Church, 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Fr. Greg Fay will officiate. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshendircksave.com. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
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