Eugene Brennan, III

Eugene V. Brennan, III, 87, a longtime resident of Middletown, peacefully passed away with his family by his side on January 17, 2025. Gene was born in Clarington, PA on August 31, 1937, the eldest of 8 children, a son of the late Margaret and Eugene Brennan, Jr. He was raised in Oreland, PA where he graduated from Springfield High School then went on to attend Millersville University before he was called to serve his country. Gene served his country with honor in the United States Navy with the Fighter Squadron 935 during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1962 he married the love of his life, Irene Kelly. In 1965, after their daughter Tracy was diagnosed with Lazy Eye Syndrome, Gene used a test that would screen children for this condition and became the Chairman for the State of Pennsylvania. Gene had a long career with the Woolworth Company. He managed 5 stores and was the District Manager for 3 districts. In 1963, Gene's name was listed in the book "Outstanding Young Men of America." Gene's career had his young family relocate many times, up and down the East coast, but they finally settled in Middletown in 1975, where Gene would work in Woolworth's Executive Offices in New York City.  After retiring from Woolworth, Gene went on to own several businesses over the years, including E.V. Brennan and Associates.

    Gene was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of God Church. Gene whole heartedly believed in the Catholic tradition of being charitable towards others. He was very involved with the Church on a daily basis. He was an Eucharistic Minister for 26 years and an Alter Server at the 8:15 Mass for 16 years. He attended the Nocturnal Perpetual Adoration at St James Parish in Red Bank for 28 years., and once St. Mary's started to offer it in 1997, he attended there. Msgr. Mike Walsh, former pastor of St. Mary's,  asked Gene to be a campaign co-chairman for building of the new church. It was Gene's idea to build a tribute to Msgr. Mike, so he raised money for the Good Shephard in the narthex of the Mother of God Church and then dedicated it to Msgr. Mike. Gene's extensive knowledge of St. Mary's Parish compelled him to compiled the book "Catholic Community of St. Mary, Mother of God Church." Gene's charitable causes extended beyond the church. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus for over 59 years. Gene also volunteered for The Barn, helping the Poorest of the Poor, delivering food to the neediest communities in NYC for 20 years. The Harbor House could count of Gene, for 6 years, to be a part of their support group during their annual 400 Mile bike ride. Gene will always be remembered as a good husband, great father, devoted grandfather, faithful Catholic, loyal friend and neighbor to many.  

    Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 years, Irene  (Kelly) Brennan, in 1999 and their son Christopher in 2020. He was also predeceased by his sisters Nancy and Eugenia.

    Gene is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Mark Spece and 3 grandsons; Joshua, Luke and Daniel. Gene also leaves behind three sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Jordan,  Judy Wisecarver, and Betsy Brennan along with two brothers John Brennan, and Timothy Brennan, all of PA and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and his dear friend of over 23 years, Mary Pat Thompson. Gene loved his church, his family and his friends.

    Friends and family may pay their respects on Thursday, January 30th from 11 am - 1:30 pm at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A 2 pm Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Saint Mary Mother of God Church. A private cremation will take place and Gene's ashes will be buried along side his wife and son, at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

The Barn, 39 Bayberry Lane, middletown NJ 07748

Covenant House, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Memorial Sloan Kettering

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