Obituary of Bernard Joseph Brennan

Bernard Joseph Brennan (aka "Bernie", "Redzo", "Red", "Zo", "Himself", "Coach", "Dad", "Uncle Bernie", "BaBa") passed away October 25, 2012 at Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville, New Jersey. Bernie was born April 19, 1941 and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey by his parents, Irish immigrants Joe Brennan, of County Tipperary and Bridget (Bonner) Brennan, of County Donegal. Bernie and his brothers Jimmy and Richie, along with sister, Bridget attended Sacred Heart School through High School. Bernie excelled in basketball, and starred for coach Nick Menza during high school, where he was voted All City and All County. Bernie went on to attend Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina on a basketball scholarship under legendary Hall of Fame coach Al McGuire. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduating, Bernie accepted a position as head basketball coach at Portsmouth Catholic High School, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He led his team to the Virginia State Championship in 1966, the second time in school history. It was during this time that Bernie met a young southern belle, Joan Beale, from Cradock, Virginia who was a teacher in the Norfolk County Virginia school system. Bernie and Joan were married in June of 1968 at Sacred Heart in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Bernie and Joan decided to move to New Jersey and follow their passion - teaching. Joan took on a guidance and college counseling position at Oak Knoll School in Summit, while Bernie took on a teaching position, as well as head basketball coach, at The Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey. Bernie carried his unique coaching style to New Jersey, leading Delbarton to the State Championship in 1968. Later in his tenure he served as Dean of Students at Delbarton. Bernie also took on additional responsibilities in his spare time, working at the Norman Dean Funeral Home in Denville and at Gallagher's Restaurant in Rockaway. The young couple settled into their new home in Denville in late 1970. Bernie and Joan welcomed two boys into their family - John in 1969 and Timothy in 1970. Bernie soon took on a new career in facility management, where his career included positions with Lane Construction, A&P, and Jamesway. He was actively involved in coaching his young sons in baseball, basketball, and soccer in the Denville youth sports programs. He also served as a member of the Denville Recreation Committee, where his focus was improving the athletic fields and facilities for the youth in the community. Bernie was an avid supporter of the New York football Giants, Yankees and Knicks. As the boys grew, Bernie continued to be an active mentor in all aspects of their lives and also introduced them to the game of golf at Peace Pipe Country Club in Denville. As the boys went off to college, Bernie and Joan remained active in the Denville community, taking on roles as Ushers and Eucharistic Ministers at their long time parish, Saint Mary's, and at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel parish in Cedar Knolls. They also took time to travel to Florida, Ireland, and regular trips to Virginia and the Jersey Shore. In 1996 Bernie suffered a massive stroke, the outcome of which left him paralyzed on his left side. He accepted but battled his new condition with the same energy he put forth in all the other aspects of his life. Joan was there with him every step of the way and was his rock. Through her amazing strength, Bernie was able to continue to enjoy the things he held dear - time with his family and friends, drives around town in his scooter, New Jersey high school basketball, Belmont Abbey basketball, his old friends from Elizabeth, trips back to Portsmouth, and many trips to watch his grandchildren grow up and learn from "BaBa". Although he may have been physically slowed by the stroke, he was as sharp as ever until his last day. Bernie will be missed by many. He had many friends who can each tell many stories of their times with him. We will forever remember his laughter, his quick wit, and his love and kindness to all who crossed his path. Friends are welcome to join the family for the repast at Morris Catholic at 200 Morris Avenue Denville, NJ 07834 after the funeral services Saturday, November 3rd. Donations can be made to Hands Together PO Box 80985 Springfield, MA 01138 ( www.handstogether.org)