Obituaries/Viewings
Gerald Eugene "Jerry" Brennen, Jr. | 82
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Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Brennen, Jr., 82, of 419 Gay Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 13, 2025 at his residence.
Jerry was born February 11, 1942 in St. Marys, son of the late Gerald and Edna Wolfel Brennen, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1960. He was an employee at Speer Carbon Company where he served as Plant Manager and retired from the company in 2000. Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserve and United States Air Force.
On February 16, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church, Jerry married Ethel “Ann” Ford, who survives. They were blessed to share sixty-one years of marriage.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his four daughters: Suzanne Wortman (Ken) of Chapel Hill, NC, Jennifer Brennen of Nashville, TN, Kathleen Brennen (Matthias Koenig) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Melissa Spacek (Philip John) of Chapel Hill, NC; eight grandchildren: Zachary, Isaac, Devin, Rachel, Oliver, Alexander, Braedon, and Harlow; and one great-grandson, Zion Wortman; his sister, Donna Weed (Lynn) of Ohio; two brothers: David Brennen (Yaeko) of Florida and Llewelyn “Lew” Brennen (Suzan) of South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Linnea Schaut (Fred) of Aspers, PA and Betty Brennen of St. Marys; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew; a sister, Nancy Mehalko; and a brother, Roger Brennen.
Jerry was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, where he served as Head of the Maintenance Committee for many years. He served as president of the PTA at Sacred Heart School and was president of the ECCHS Athletic Association. Jerry was named Airco Speer Man of the Year in 1979. He enjoyed carpentry and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and walker of many miles a day.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Friday January 17, 2025 at 11:00AM with Rev. Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., celebrating. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Penn Highlands Adult Day Services, 625 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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Dear Ann and family,
How very sad for you and your family on Jerry’s passing. Please accept my condolences.
Ann, Fred, Linnea and families
May our Lord’s grace blanket you. We are sorry for your loss.
A classmate and a good friend during high school. Always cheerful and upbeat. And he had the nerve to marry my cousin. Both of them are very lucky.
So sorry for your loss. All families are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
With heartfelt condolences to Ann, all the girls and families. We remember him as Butch in his younger days. Jerry was one of a kind and always willing to help out wherever needed. He was always smiling with an unforgettable laugh. Although Jerry will be greatly missed by all who had the fortune to know him, we know he is looking down at us and smiling. Our deepest sympathies go out to all.
With love, the Paul & Marie Schaut Family Kids
Our deepest sympathy Ann and families. He always had the greatest smile whenever I saw him. Such a wonderful legacy he has left behind. God bless you Ann for your fantastic support all these years! You did a great job! ❤️🥰🙏
Many remembrances of Jerry. Especially seeing him at Sacred Heart during the buh humbug cooking and serving meals. He always had a smile on his face.