Local businessman and farmer John Edward Brennan, 93, of Tetrick Road, Shinnston passed away June 17, 2012, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.
He was born April 28, 1919, in Thomas, the only child of the late Edward P. and Ella Murray Brennan. In addition to his parents, Mr. Brennan was also preceded in death by his wife, Janice Marie Abruzzino Brennan, to whom he was married for 56 years.
He is survived by his two sons, Edward "Ted" Patrick Brennan of Shinnston; John Frank Brennan and his wife, Jo Carol Tenda Brennan, of Shinnston; five grandchildren, Ann Marie Brennan, John Michael Brennan and his wife, Shelly Arbogast Brennan, Susan Brennan Brooks, Dr. Edward "Teddy" Brennan and David John Brennan and his wife, Amilie Dithridge Brennan; eight great-grandchildren, Brennan Brooks, John "Orry" Brooks, John Andrew Brennan, Dajia Jones, Michael Brennan, Arianna Brennan, Teaghan Brennan and Andrew Brennan; two sisters-in-law, Mary Datillo and Frances Eckert both of Charleston; and his loving companion, former Sen. Jae Spears.
Article Photos
Brennan
Mr. Brennan attended St. Peter's School in Fairmont until he moved to Shinnston. He graduated from Shinnston High School and attended West Virginia University.
John and his father operated The Bucket Mines in Shinnston for many years prior to opening Brennan Motor Co. in 1945. In 1947, he opened West Fork Motor Co., which is still in operation by his family. He also operated a dairy farm and later raised beef cattle. In addition, he was the owner of Brennan Raceway on I-79 and owned and operated the Hudson & Federal Truck garage in Elkins.
He was a member and chairman of the Board for the Bank of Shinnston and First Bank of Shinnston. He was a timber broker for several years and had a milk delivery route in the early 1950's.
Mr. Brennan enjoyed horse shows, fairs, farming and his great love was raising Belgium Horses, Pure Bred Horses and Angus Cattle. He was a faithful member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Shinnston and was a deeply religious man. He was also a member of the Clarksburg Elks for 62 years.
Friends and family will be received at the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 2-8 p.m.. A Holy Rosary service will be recited on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Shinnston on Friday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m, with Father Thomas W. Dagle officiating. Interment will follow at Shinnston Masonic Cemetery. Online Condolences can be submitted at www.harmerfuneralhome.com.
A service of Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.
