Herbert C. Brenner

BRENNER, HERBERT C. 93, of Lynn, died on Monday in Union Hospital, Lynn. Born in Lynn, the son of the late Samuel and Rebecca Brenner, he was a life long resident of Lynn. One of Lynn's most respected basketball legends, Herb Brenner perfected the art of great sportsmanship - on the court and in the classroom. Herb was retired from Lynn Public Schools as director of the business department at Lynn Classical High School, was a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor. He served as head coach of the Classical Boys Basketball Team from 1954-77, winning 258 games and going to 16 state tournaments. But for Herb, success wasn't measured in wins; it was measured in the quality of his players and their love of the game. "It's about attitude" he said. "I treated all of my players and students with respect and they returned it. It's a great, great feeling when you can have a positive effect on others." Known for his innovative playing style, Herb popularized the one-handed foul shot and set shot and had the rare opportunity to try out for the Celtics in his youth. Even after World War II Army service as a MP, he was only a whisker away from making the first Boston Celtics and many thought he should have made it. A good shooter, he graduated from Lynn English High School, and Salem State University, and got his Masters in education from Boston University. He made a name for himself playing on such teams as West End House, Boston YMHA, Malden City Club, Boston Whirlwinds, and Cambridge Cantabs. He went on to play basketball and baseball at Salem State University. He also knows dog racing. His first job at Wonderland was in mutuels, in 1935. Since then he has worked in publicity, as a starter, handicapper, racing secretary for 10 years before becoming presiding judge. He was affiliated with Wonderland Dog Track for 52 years. He was honored by the Lynn English and Classical High Alumni in 2004 with the Outstanding Achievement Award; he also was awarded the first Robert Pierce Award for coaching and sportsmanship by Board 130 of the International Assoc. of Approved Basketball Officials, and the North Shore Coaches League Outstanding Achievement Award in 1996. He is in the Salem State University Hall of Fame 1986, Lynn English High 2003, and Classical High Hall of Fame 1993.

Beloved husband of the late Elaine (Leavitt) Brenner. Devoted father of Gary Brenner of Lynn, Stephen and his wife Melody Brenner of Salem, and the late Neal Brenner. Close family friends, Kay Sundberg and Marcos Costa. Loving brother of Marilyn Bach of St. Paul, MN, Robert Brenner of Oregon, and the late Kenneth "Keevie" Brenner. Services at the Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin St., SALEM-SWAMPSCOTT line, on Friday, July 6, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon. A Memorial Celebration from 3-9 P.M. at the home of Gary Brenner, 50 S. Common St., Lynn. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be donated to the charity of your choice .