James V. Brennan Jr.

James V. Brennan, Jr. was born on April 20,1937 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, the son of the late James V. and Mary Brennan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Rosemary (née Mullen) and his son Matthew (Allegra Ivey) of Manhattan, his daughter Maura Brennan of Manhattan and four grandchildren Tiernan (TJ), Ellison, Kellan and Braden Brennan. Predeceased by his brother Andrew Brennan and his sister Jeanne Butcher, he is also survived by his sister Molly Frey of Houston, Texas, his sister-in-law Marlene Brennan of Manville, New Jersey and brother in- law Joseph Butcher of Kingston, Pennsylvania as well as many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Kings College in Wilkes Barre, he served three years in the U.S. Army stationed in Jacksonville, Florida and the Panama Canal Zone. Following his Army service heattended the University of Pennsylvania earning his MSW. His career path began in the Delaware County Juvenile Court as a probation officer followed by school social work with what was then BOCES III in western Suffolk County. The major years of his career were spent at the Ammerman campus of Suffolk County Community College where he served for 30 years initially as a professor of social work and later in administrative capacities. At the time of his retirement he was Associate Dean of Students He spent several years as a coach with North Shore Little League continuing even beyond the years his son Matthew played because he enjoyed sharing a sport he loved with another generation. Later when the call went out to start a St. Louis de Montfort Golf Tournament to help support the church’s outreach program, he was among the volunteers who began what became a series of highly successful tournaments.

Jim loved the New York Yankees, The New York Giants, and Notre Dame football. He enjoyed a round of golf and had many memories of great times with his golfing crew. Reading particularly about US history, was also a favorite hobby. If he was home, four o’clock was kept sacred for reading.

In retirement he and Rosemary traveled throughout the US visiting every US capital. Together they enjoyed several European vacations with London and river cruises always being favorites. There was the luxury of time to dine out with friends as well as frequent NYC trips for theatre and visiting the grandchildren.

We think that Jim would have said he had a great life. We like to think that he’s once again enjoying coffee around the kitchen table with his parents and Jeannie or tossing a football with Andy who has learned a heavenly lesson and now promises to keep his half of the room neat. We hope that he’s having another round of golf with Bill and a martini with his long term friend Jim toasting to all they shared over the years. And if the angels ever need someone to run a meeting, he will volunteer, there will be a set agenda and the meeting will end on time.

Jim, Dad, PopPop: we love you and will miss you for all the days ahead.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jame's name: Hope House Ministries & Suffolk County Community College RASCC Scholarship Fund. Additional information for both causes may be found below.