Joseph Patrick Brennan, Jr., 90, of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Florida.
He was born on June 28, 1925 in Schenectady, NY, the son of Joseph Patrick and Anna (Fotheringham) Brennan. He married his wife of 68 years, Beverly Margaret Vanier, on June 21, 1947.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Brennan, of Shelbyville, IN; his siblings, Agnes Brennan of Port St. Lucie, FL, Francis Brennan and David Brennan of Schenectady, NY; his daughters, Jane Snodgrass of Lathrop, MO, Jean Patz of Madison, WI, and Sherrie Keshner of St. Augustine, FL; his grandchildren, Jake Snodgrass of Missoula, MT, Jesse Snodgrass of India, Riley Keshner of St. Augustine, FL, and Evan Patz of Middlebury, VT; and his great-grandchildren, Joya, Gus and Lucia Rose Snodgrass of India.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Simon P. Brennan.
Joseph served as a Corporal and War Dog handler in the 1st Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He served in the following battles: Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Peleliu, and Guadalcanal.
He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, NY and went on to earn a degree in engineering, which he utilized in his work at General Electric in the industrial heating department and as the manager of the drafting department. Thereafter, Joseph became the manager of engineering at Wellman Thermal Systems in Shelbyville, IN.
Joe and his wife Beverly shared many common interests such as golfing, dancing, and spending time at the beach. They had plenty of beach time at their winter condo in St. Augustine, Florida, where they spent every winter for the last 23 years.
Joe was a natural athlete and an accomplished golfer, participating in and winning innumerable golf tournaments. He scored two holes in one in one month, and played an 80-point game soon after his 90th birthday. He played basketball and was a high average bowler.
He was also interested in music. He sang for the Blue River Singers that traveled around Indiana and was part of the St. Joseph Catholic Church choir. He and Beverly loved to dance the jitterbug, winning many contests in their day.
Joseph was very active in his community, whether by becoming a member of the American Legion or serving as a long-time trustee for the Shelbyville Elks Club. He was a member of the Major Hospital Foundation ACORN club. He volunteered for Catholic charity festivals and was a member of the congregation of St. Joseph Catholic Church for sixty years. Joseph was a member of the advisory board at Trotters Chase.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. Joe will be remembered for being the advice-giver, the enforcer, the protector, and the voice of reason. He had a wonderful, spirited, edgy sense of humor. He had a very mechanical mind and loved figuring out how things worked—a testament to his engineering background.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 26th at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 125 East Broadway St., in Shelbyville.
Immediately following will be a celebration of life at Bear Chase Golf Club, 2660 N. Riley Highway, in Shelbyville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the American Legion Post No. 70, 1125 South Miller Ave, Shelbyville, IN. designated to the Shelby County Memorial Committee or St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Online condolences may be shared with the Brennan family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.