John D. Brennan

The Honorable John D. Brennan, 94, of East Hartford, Connecticut, beloved husband of the late Mary M. (Crosby) Brennan, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday (June 19, 2011). He was born December 9, 1916 at 9 Bissell Street, East Hartford, Connecticut, the son of John D. and Florence (Whaley) Brennan. He attended Center School and graduated from East Hartford High School, in 1934. As a member of the track team, he held the record for the 100 yard dash, a record that stood for years. In 1938, he graduated from Trinity College with a B.S. degree, While at Trinity, he was co-captain of the track team and shared the college record for the 100 yard dash, another record which stood for years and which earned him the nickname "Ace". He also was elected a member of Pi Gamma Mu. In June, 1941, he graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law with an LLB, degree and immediately thereafter entered the United States Army. He served in the army for four and one-half years, more than three of which were spent in the Pacific theater of operations. When hostilities ended, his division, the 40th Infantry Battalion, was sent to Korea. In November, 1945, he returned home to Connecticut for the first time in four years, with the rank of Captain of the field artillery. In January, 1946, he began the practice of law with Levi, T.M. Hickey and J. Robert Galvin, later with his brother, Stephen A. Brennan and still later with Richard C. Willard. In 1976, he was appointed a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas by Governor Ella Grasso and in 1978 was named a Judge of the Superior Court. After retirement, he continued to serve as a State Trial Referee until age 93, for a time serving as the oldest State Trial Referee in Connecticut. Prior to becoming a judge, he took an active part in town activities. He served as prosecuting attorney and later as Judge of the East Hartford Town Court. He was Democratic Town Chairman from 1951 to 1955. He also served as Corporation Counsel and later as mayor of the town. While mayor, he was instrumental in the founding of both the Historical Society and the Fine Arts Commission. His other activities included a term on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Bar Association as well as service as a board member of East Hartford Federal Savings and the local branches of the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company. He also served as a Trustee of the Hartford Conservatory. He was a communicant of St. Rose Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the V.F.W., where he served in the capacity of Judge Advocate. He will be remembered for his quick wit, unfailing optimism, knowledge of history, zest for living, infallible memory, work ethic, and the enjoyment he took in savoring the small pleasures of life with family and friends. He is survived, by his four children, Susan B. Rolston of Manchester, Attorney John D. Brennan III of East Hartford, Attorney Peter L. Brennan of East Hartford and Thomas S. Brennan and his wife, Mei-Ling, of Tiburon, California. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Stephen A. Brennan, and his son-in-law, Randy Rolston.

Funeral services will be held Friday (June 24, 2011) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, Church Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield, Ct. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Church or to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave an online condolence please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com.