Richard Ellis Brenner

Richard, or “Daddy,” was an extraordinary person. To know him was to love him, and all that he stood for. Among many other life lessons, Daddy taught me, at a very young age, the value of keeping your word above all else. While at times firm and rigid, he was, without question, the sweetest man, with the most loving disposition and a huge heart.

Daddy began his working years with just a high school diploma and a couple of years of service to our nation in the U.S. Army in the early 1950s. At that time, he went into business with his best friend, Bernie Smith (Uncle Bernie). They did construction, primarily remodeling projects in and around Bexar County. But as time went on, Daddy wanted to do more.

He was a pretty good artist. Drawing came pretty naturally to him. So he convinced a friend to allow him access to the county courthouse after hours, because he knew that blueprints for completed construction projects were filed there.

Keeping in mind that a high school diploma was the extent of his formal education, I find it nothing short of incredibly remarkable that he had not only the foresight to see what he could do, but also the will and the drive to make it happen. He taught himself how to read blueprints, and eventually how to create them. He went on to form Rick Brenner Company, and he became a very well-known contractor here in the San Antonio area.

One of his earliest projects was to design and build the very first Jim’s Coffee Shop, at Broadway and 410. Jim Hasslocher insisted that he build the next location as well, but Daddy had become so sought after by most of the engineers at Frito-Lay, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Maybelline Cosmetics, RC Cola, and many others, that he simply could not commit to building the next Jim’s in a timely manner. So he introduced Mr. Hasslocher to another great contractor. He did not want to give his word and then not be able to follow through.

For a guy with a high school education, some artistic talent, and a dream, he went on to build a magnificent business. Not bad indeed.

Daddy had a tremendously oversized heart — not medically, but in every other sense. He was a very loving and giving person. Every person he came into contact with, he left an impression upon. In his later years, he very much enjoyed a cigar with his buddies at The Humidor. He loved Golden Corral until it became too much to get out and do. But he found the strength to get to Jim’s once in a while, usually accompanied by a very special woman in his life, his primary caregiver, Antonia. She was such an incredible blessing to him, and to our entire family.

Daddy was a remarkable person, in so many ways. Now he is with God and those who preceded him. Most importantly, perhaps, there is comfort in knowing he no longer suffers, and that he can now rest peacefully.

Richard Brenner was born on July 30, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to parents Frank R. Brenner and Ann Louise Brenner. Our Lord called him back home on October 4, 2026.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his beloved wife of 46 years, Rosalie; his oldest son, Bruce; his brother, Robert; his sister, Evelyn; and his loving granddaughter, Lyndsay.

Richard is survived by his other sons, Paul (Caroline) and Daniel; his grandchildren, Tiffany Brenner, Sean Brenner, Tyler Brenner, Sydney Brenner, Peyton Brenner, Dylon Brenner, Preston Brenner (Norma), Gretchen Maddock, and Nick Maddock; and his great-grandchildren, Jaxon Brenner and Peyton Brenner.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Temple Beth-El Memorial Park, 1715 Austin Highway,

San Antonio, Texas 78218.