I have known Joe since first grade but we really didn't interact until seventh grade.

In seventh grade, Joe and I sat next to each other during the first marking period.  It was the most fun I have ever had in school.  Joe kept me in stiches.  We had so much fun that Sister separated us the next marking period.  But we had formed a bond she couldn't separate.

Joe was a fun and funny guy.

Later in high school we were both on the glee club.  As many know, Joe did Doo Wop the last year or two as well.

Joe loved music and Joe was a singer.

When we were probably 16 or 17, Joe had us join the Pretzel Park Youth organization.  He decided he didn't like the way it was being run, so Joe engineered and executed a "coup" and took over the leadership of the group.

Joe took action and Joe was a leader.

As the most avid golfer most of us ever knew, Joe organized several golf outings in the years since he moved to Cary.  I was honored to be included in three of them.  At each outing, Joe's primary concern was that everyone was having a good time and enjoying themselves which made these outings some of my fondest memories.

Joe was a caring man.

During our golf outings, Joe offered outstanding tips and advice on golf to any of us who wanted them. He probably took at least 10 strokes off my game over the years.

Joe was a teacher.

While retired, Joe spent a good deal of his time helping troubled kids.  Wherever he went, Joe was unfailingly courteous and kind to all he met, often going out of his way to help others.

Joe was the very definition of a good man.

When we were in our teens, several of us were playing touch football at a place called The Pines in Roxborough in Philadelphia.  Joe went out for a pass and just as it got to him he ran into a pine tree and dropped the pass.  When we ragged on him for dropping the pass he said, "You can always catch another pass but you can't get another Joey."  Amen.


Joe was such a great man and a wonderful neighbor.  He helped me out with different little projects and did the same for all of his neighbors.  He was always so pleasant and kind and was always doing something -- like golfing or fishing or singing or walking dogs.  He was a busy man and I enjoyed spending some time with him.  I truly miss the man and our thoughts and prayers are for his entire family.  God Bless

From the Pep Boys family to the Brennan family and friends: our prayers, warm thoughts and condolences. It's sad to imagine a world without Joe in it! My colleague Susan Liefeld-Tresselt and I worked in the same office with Joe in the 2000's, and we remember fondly how each Friday morning (rain, snow or shine), he'd broadcast "On the Way to Cape May." We'd all sing along. It made our day. 

Joe was no-nonsense, yet fair and consistently kind. He was much loved. He had so much experience with the company, he was greatly missed once he retired. But he was kind enough to come back to visit when he occasionally returned to Philadelphia. 

It gives me much comfort and pleasure to learn from these testimonies what the Brennans' life was like in North Carolina -- singing, helping others, enjoying family and the warmer weather.  As Emerson, Lake & Palmer sang, "Ooooh, what a lucky man he was!"

I am so blessed to have known Joe even if it was for a brief time. We had lots of fun together practicing our doo-wop skit (see pic) about things popular in the 50s that was so successful last year. I will miss him but know that God has a new singer, golfer and helper. 

Joel & Harriet Glassman

,Joe . . .  kind, considerate, loving, funny, caring  - you touched the lives of all of us at TOCS - most especially our "kids".  You loved them  unconditionally no matter their abilities or disabilities, and they loved you so much right back. Your spirit will be with us always.  Our next TOCS program on March 1 & 2,  2019 at New Horizons Fellowship in Apex, will honor and celebrate your life and times with us. We were blessed by your presence.  I love you man!  YOU WILL BE MISSED!  

Pat, we all here for you and hope you will continue as a TOCS family member!
  
WITH LOVE FROM ALAN ROSEN/IRENE,  AND THE ENTIRE TOCS FAMILY.

Joe was a steady and positive presence for everyone at Together on Center Stage. He was always patient and kind with the special-needs individuals. No matter your abilities, your challenges, or your needs, Joe treated you with dignity and respect. He was a vital part of what makes TOCS so special, and he will be missed. 

Everyone at TOCS loves Joe, Pat and their family dearly. We are incredibly grateful for all that Joe did for us, and we all deeply appreciate the time we had with him. 

Skit done at Doo Wop Concert June 8, 2018. 

Joe, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have been your friend.  You were always willing to give of your time and support  to others as you were a kind and loving person.  It was a pleasure singing with you in Doo Wop and will continue to feel your presence there. 

To Pat and family:  may  memories of Joe bring you peace and comfort and may God Bless You and give you strength during this difficult time.
We are here for you.....

Your friends
John and Rubyann Castellano

Salvation Army, American Cancer Society or the Boys and Girls Club of America

Memorial Service

Joe is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia Klein Brennan; son, Shawn Brennan; daughter, Nicole McKenna (Patrick); brother, Robert Brennan; sisters, Eleanor Williams and Eileen Hill; grandchildren, MacKenzie, Connor and Lilo Brennan, and Caesar, Leonardo and Eleanor McKenna.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank, James, Jack and Patrick Brennan.

OBITUARY

Joseph Frances Brennan

October 8, 1948 – November 6, 2018

Apex Funeral Home

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