Joseph Brennan

Born November 7, 1934, in Elizabeth, NJ, Joe lived there with his family for over 65 years, retiring to Spring Lake, NJ, in 2000.

Joe proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Joe comes from a large law enforcement family that continues today. He joined his father, Thomas, and brothers, Tom and John, on the Elizabeth Police Department in 1958. He rose up through the ranks receiving promotions from Patrolman, to Sergeant, to Lieutenant, to Captain. During this time, he furthered his education, receiving an Associate Degree in Police Science from Seton Hall University in 1961. He graduated from the FBI Academy in 1972 and trained as a bomb disposal expert in Huntsville. AL. Joe was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration by Kean College in 1976. In 1973, Joe was selected to serve as Police Director of the Elizabeth Police Department. His 20-year tenure was marked by a progressive attitude and innovative changes to the department. Among his many accomplishments were the hiring of Elizabeth’s first female police officers in 1978, the design, development and construction of the new Police Headquarters, the establishment of Police Mini Stations, the transition to Sig Sauer Autoloading Pistols, the introduction of Neighborhood Team Policing and the scheduling of Community Meetings throughout Elizabeth.

Joe was a life member of PBA #4 and the president of the Elizabeth Police Superiors Officers Association. He was a member of the Elizabeth Rotary Club, the Manasquan Elks, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, a founding member of the Thornsticks, and a founding member of the Elmora Youth Baseball League. He received the “Outstanding Officer Award” in 1972 by the New-Beth Masonic Club. Joe was named “1995 Irishman of the Year“ by the Thornsticks."After retirement from the EPD, Joe was appointed an Undersheriff of Union County and proudly served in that capacity for five years until retirement."

After retirement, Joe loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren and logged many miles pushing kids in strollers on the boardwalk in Spring Lake. He also took up the game of golf and enjoyed hours on the course with his best buddy, Michael Melchione. Joe leaves an amazing legacy as a steadfast leader, a loyal friend, and a beloved Poppy.

He is survived by loving wife of 64 years, Pat (Hickey) Brennan. Joe and Pat starting dating while they both attended St. Mary’s High School in Elizabeth and have been together ever since. Joe was very proud of his three sons, Dr. Joseph (Pam), Peter (Ella), and Tim (Irene), his grandchildren Daniel (Lindsay), Joseph (Ísis), Liam, Brendan, Leah, Sean, Peter, Michael, Nora, and Tommy, and his wonderful great-grandson Connell. Surviving are his siblings Mary Brennan, Joan Ann Smith, Brendan Brennan (Joanie), and sister-in-law Joan Brennan, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son Daniel, parents Thomas and Nora Brennan, siblings Thomas (Marion), Vincent, John (Pat), Anthony (Florence), Nona (Dick) and Jerome.

A memorial service for Joseph will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036. Family and guests are invited to gather at the funeral home the following morning from 9:00AM to 10:00 AM. A funeral mass will take place at 10:30 AM St. Genevieve's Church, 200 Monmouth Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07208. A funeral will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Inman Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067.

In leu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hackensack Meridian Heath Hospice Care (https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/Donate).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.krowickifuneralhome.com for the Brennan family.