Dr. Edward Brenner (April 16, 1944 – October 20, 2020), a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. Edward was born in Brooklyn, NY, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both undergraduate studies and medical school. After graduation, Dr. Brenner entered the U.S. Army where he completed an internship at Water Reed General Hospital and a residency in ophthalmology at Letterman General Hospital and Army Medical Center in San Francisco. Between his internship and residency, Edward served in Vietnam as a battalion surgeon with the 101st Airborne and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. After the Army, Dr. Brenner joined Millennium Eye Care (f.k.a. Eye Physicians and Surgeons) in Freehold, NJ. Before retirement, Edward was a highly respected Ophthalmologist for over 40 years concentrating on cataract and lens implantation procedures.
Dr. Brenner was active in civic affairs and charitable organizations. He was a former member and past president of the Exchange Club of Western Monmouth, a former member of the Sunrise Optimist Club, a member of the Freehold Board of Health, and served as district chairman for the Boy Scouts of America.
Edward was an avid Giants fan, and loved to tailgate and attend games with his wife, sons, grandchildren, and friends. He enjoyed fishing, and went on several fishing trips to Alaska with his sons and friends. He was thrilled to have taught his grandchildren to fish as well. Dr. Brenner also enjoyed playing golf and travelling with friends and family.
Most of all Edward loved being around his family, who cherished, admired, and loved him deeply. He will be greatly missed by his wife Annette, his sons Howard and Doug, his daughters-in-law Kelly and Jennifer, and his grandchildren Blythe, Delaney, Jack, Dylan and William. Predeceased by his brothers Arthur and Richard Brenner, he will also be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-laws: Renee and Linda, his nieces and nephews, their families as well as his extended family and friends.
Due to Covid concerns, there will be a small, private funeral for only immediate family. We hope to hold a memorial service in the future to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Edward Brenner’s name.