Daniel L. Brentano

Dan (or Danny, as his friends would call him) was born in Portland, OR to Rodney & Jeannette Brentano on April 1st, 1948. He graduated from Benson Polytech High School in June of 1966. Dan started his career with the Railroad in 1967 (for 35 years), then the call of duty came up, and instead of being drafted, Dan decided to enlist.

Dan's Army career began in April of 1968 and he was honorably discharged in April of 1970. Turns out, those 2 years (with most of that time being spent in Vietnam) would become a lifetime to him. One of his Commanding Officers said Dan was "one of the bravest men I've known. I still remember when we were to do something almost impossible, He'd say 'I will do it'". That was Danny. Dan was in the 1st battalion 506 infantry with the 101st Airborne and received the following Commendations; Combat Infantry Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Meritorious Medal, 2 Over Seas Bars, and Marksmanship Medal.

Dan enjoyed life, and his love for his wife, Christine, was unconditional. They would frequently travel to Tulelake, CA to spend time with family where he would go quail hunting, then, they would head over to the coast to Reedsport and Coos Bay for some crabbing and salmon fishing. All delicious, but boy did Dan love oysters!

He also had a passion for watching Drag Racing and even got to work with his friend Lee Goranson in the pits when Lee would be running nearby. On top of all his passions, Dan had a side job... Upholstery! And he was good at it! He might not have been the fastest at finishing an upholstery job, but the quality of his work was outstanding.

Dan is survived by his children, Deanna Brentano and Christopher (Shane) Brentano, stepchildren, Steve Ciaffoni & Kimberly (Ted) Vogelpohl; grandchildren, Keira, Colby, Eloise, Alex, Tyler (Kaitlin), Brandon (Amanda), and great grandchildren, Kaylee and Emmet.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Christina; and his parents, Rodney and Jeannette (Don Knott). Dan is also preceded in death by his son, and Deanna's twin, Danny.

Rosary followed by Mass will be held at Saint Henry Catholic Church on February 15th beginning at 10am with a reception to follow at the church (346 NW First street, Gresham).

Military Ceremony and Burial with Honors will be at Willamette National Cemetery on February 16th beginning at 12:30.