Frederick M. Brenner

Frederick Marion Brenner, 88, of Westwood, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on November 23, 2022 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood after a short battle with cancer. Born on October 18, 1934 to Gordon Judson Brenner and Alice Lawson Brenner, Fred spent his childhood in Brooklyn and later Hollis Queens. Upon graduating from Manhattan’s Stuyvesant High School in 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force. He attended Yale Institute of Far-Eastern Languages, where he trained as a Chinese Interpreter, serving with Air Force Intelligence for the remainder of the Korean War. He then attended City College of New York (Bernard Baruch) and joined the family business, M & M Title Abstract Company, in Hackensack NJ.

It was through his work there that he met the love of his life, Carol Anne Anton. They were married for 57 wonderful years, and were blessed with two daughters, Nancy Lynn (John Patrick Gordon) of Westwood and Elaine Susan {Edward John Chanda} of Granville, OH. He was the adoring “Papa” to Allison Brenner Gordon, Sean Patrick Gordon, Quincy Edward Chanda, and Ainsley Belle Chanda. Fred and Carol resided in Westwood NJ for 37 years, for many of which they were members of Zion Lutheran Church. In later years, Frederick worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Norwood, NJ, where upon retirement he moved to Canton, CT in 2007, but returned to Westwood in 2018.

Frederick dedicated much of his free time to several service and fraternal organizations. He became a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Pioneer Lodge#70 {Hackensack} where he went on to become Master of the Lodge. He later joined and headed all of the Masonic bodies of the York Rite, eventually earning its highest award, The Knight York Cross of Honor. He was also a Shriner of Salaam Temple in Livingston, NJ. He joined the Order of the Eastern Star, Jeptha Chapter #134, later in life with his wife, Carol. Most recently, he joined Temple Lodge #173 of Westwood, where he served as an officer.

He was a Republican County Committee man in Hackensack, NJ for many years. He was a member of the Courthouse Square Club where he served as President, as well as a member of Hackensack Rotary, also serving as President. Additionally, he was a member of the VFW in Carlstadt, NJ.

Frederick was an avid crossword puzzler, model airplane builder, model train enthusiast, and lover of fresh water trout fishing. He was at home in nature and loved all animals. He also enjoyed computer gaming, and using flight simulation. His family and friends will always remember him for his quick wit, eloquence and way with words, deep love of his country, and adoration for his cherished family.

He is survived by his wife Carol, their 2 daughters and sons-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and a step-brother, Burt Lawson Clement of Greenlawn, Long Island.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.