Philip V Brennan Jr.

1926 - 2014

Philip V Brennan Jr. obituary, 1926-2014, Boca Raton, FL

BORN

1926

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

1100 North Federal Highway

Boca Raton, Florida

Philip Brennan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 7, 2014.

Brennan, Jr. Philip Vincent - was born in Brooklyn New York on a kitchen table in Crown Heights on July 8th, 1926. He attended Brooklyn Prep. In 1943 he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served in the U.S., in Pacific theaters, as well as attending the United States Naval Academy Prep School. On February 26, 1949 he married the love of his life Barbara Bourne, who was to give him the gift of seven beautiful children. After moving to Fredericksburg VA, in 1957, he worked in Washington D.C. In Washington he was assigned to help handle the Washington end of the Alaska Statehood campaign. Their work helped to win Statehood for Alaska and add another star to old glory. He then handled confidential assignments for the Eisenhower White House. In 1960 he served as press secretary to Rep., Gerald Ford at the GOP convention when Ford sought the Presidential nomination. After the convention he served on Nixon's campaign staff. In 1961 he was named Director of Public Relations and Special Projects for the Republican Policy Committee where he worked from 1961-1966. From 1963 until 1966, he was also a Washington columnist for Bill Buckley's National Review writing under the name of Cato. He also served as intelligence analysts for the House GOP leadership, specializing in Counterintelligence work during the Cold War. He was one of twenty one people who served the draft Goldwater group in 1963 and organized and ran the GOP truth squad for Barry Goldwater in 1964. In 1968 he and his family he moved to Boca Raton, Florida where he became staff editor for the National Enquirer. He also wrote a column for News Max Media with an estimated weekly readership of 1 million. He also edited his friend radio talk show host, Michael Reagan's syndicated newspaper column. He was editor and publisher of Wednesday on the Web which was read in 50 countries around the world. He was recently named Man of the Year by defend our Marines organization in recognition of his work being the only journalist who from the very beginning exposed the falsity of the charges of eight marines in November 19, 2005 Haditha incident. In 2004 he was guest of honor at the Marine Corps Birthday ball in Virginia Beach. General James Mattis United States Marine Corps, Commander; U.S. Joint Forces Command/North Atlantic Treaty Organization Supreme Allied Commander said of Philip Brennan "He is considered a hero in the Marine Corps." He is a member of the Association former Intelligence Officers and a Trustee of the Lincoln Heritage Foundation. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara, and loving son Frederick Gilbert. He is survived by his sons Philip Vincent of Ormond Beach Florida, Matthew Thomas of Deerfield Beach, Lawrence Walsh of West Palm Beach, Peter Hollins of Boca Raton, Mary Patricia of Delray Beach, and Constance Marie, of Boca Raton. A gathering will be held Thursday January 9th from 6-8 at Babione Funeral Home East Chapel. A Memorial Mass will take place Friday at 12 p.m., at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Palm Beach County. Babione Funeral Home (East Chapel) 1100 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton FL 33432 561-395-8787


Eulogy given at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church on January 10, 2014

Some twenty-three years ago Dad stood on an altar similar to this altar and read the most beautiful and touching of words. Celebrating the life of his beloved wife, and our Mother, Beatrice Barbara Bourne Brennan. In the years since that day Dad had to forge a new life for himself without the very best part of his life by his side. For as strong as Dad was it was our Mother that he looked to in all matters of conscience involving his family. But as Dad always told us life goes on simply because it has to. And so surrounded by that family Dad continued a career as a journalist and investigative reporter who was in the following years to be read by people all over the world. He called this strength that he exhibited in his daily life and passed onto his children growing up Brennan. Informed by his faith and a being greater than him helped him navigate the treacherous waters that life can bring. His simple motto of just put it in God's hands was I think one of the greatest gifts he gave each of his children, in helping them cope with all life has to offer. And oh how he loved his children and grandchildren. They were to become his anchor the focal point of his life. With a twinkle in those Irish blue eyes he would make each of us laugh when he would point out what could be the absurdity and folly of life. Throughout his life people that met Dad where always touched by the kindness and humility he showed. Whether he was walking through the halls of congress or tending to his yard in his overalls Dad never changed. I once told him that I judged all men by him and the way he lived his life. I will dearly miss our good conversations because he could speak with such clarity and knowledge born of his Jesuit upbringing and education. Growing up in Brooklyn he was surrounded by the Brennan Clan. Generations of Irish who lived and loved their faith. And that has been his greatest legacy left to us to carry on. As I look out and see all of my nieces and nephews, Katie, Megan, Austin, Kourtney, Chrissy, Ally, Emily, Eryn, Sara, and James. I want you to know that this legacy of love and your faith that Dad has given us is meant for you as well. So our Dear Father you now have your greatest of all wishes, and it is with these words that I commend your soul to our everlasting Father in heaven. We will miss, love and honor your memory always.

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Not sure what to say?

March 16, 2014

Dick Lambert

I only knew this great man through his work. I loved Cato columns, Wednesday On The Web and everything else of his work that I came across. Marine, true Catholic, Patriot, loving father, revered by his friends. What a legacy. I hope and pray I'll get to meet you over yonder brother.

January 10, 2014

Sara McKenna

Grandpa Brennan was a funny, insightful man. I have fond memories of our written correspondences and later on, reminiscing of James' meetings with him. James still giggles when remembering their adventure at Grand Lux and the Boca mall parking lot! Much love, Sara and James

January 9, 2014

Mike Reagan

Great Catholic,Tremendous Marine and a good friend..Thankyou God for giving us Phil Brennan..He will be and is missed..And Phil please say hi to my Mom when you see her in your heavenly home..God Bless..Mike Reagan

January 9, 2014

Cindy Chesley

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in my prayers.

January 9, 2014

Larry Brennan

Dear dad,it was nice coming over to your house,listening to family history stories in your den,and then going out to dinner with you at the porterhouse restaurant,and you showing me the work you did in the yard and the house projects you were working on. Not only that,but watching dolphin games on t.v. with you during the dolphin glory years. I miss you very much and love you dad. love always Larry

January 8, 2014

Suzanne Brennan

I think that one of the hardest tests of faith is when we have to let go of those we love and can no longer be with them and talk to and touch them and tell them we love them. Not only does profound sorrow and loss envelop us, but we long to and need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our loved one is truly and forever happy and joyous and free beyond words or anything we know of. Dad had that stalwart and unwavering faith and so must we. So if any of us ever wonders or worries, even for a second, and needs the blessed reassurance that can seem beyond our reach, we only need to think of Dad and how he would tell us to fear not, that he is where he longed to be, with his Barbie, his Freddie, his Mom and Dad, Sister Marie, and everyone he loves who went before him. It is where we begin and end, and hopefully we live the way we should in between, as did he, always true to himself. Of Dad's many wonderful qualities, the ones I especially admired are simple, but to me, made him great, and that is how he always provided a lovely home for his family and was always there for his children, and how he so obviously loved and adored his beautiful wife. Some of the most beautiful words I ever read were these he wrote about their courtship, "It wasn't long before we realized we were the light of each other's lives." So simple and sweet, he truly placed her on a pedestal. He knew he was given a precious gift and never forgot it. It was wonderful and touching to witness. These and your blue eyes Dad, always as bright and blue as can be, along with your very funny wit, are what I will think of and miss the most. God Bless You and Keep You in the Palm of His Hand. We love you very, very much.
Suzanne

January 8, 2014

Katie Brennan

Posted by Katie Brennan

January 8, 2014

Katie Brennan

Posted by Katie Brennan

January 8, 2014

Katie Brennan

Posted by Katie Brennan

January 8, 2014

Katie Brennan

Posted by Katie Brennan

January 8, 2014

Mary Casey

Hi Dad You handsome man but you know that already. Dad I just want to say how blessed I am to have had you as my father. I too have learned a lot from you but I think the most that I have gotten from you that faith and family is what has gotten you through all that you've been through especially with Mom and Freddy. Dad there is so much that I want to say but I know you are where you want to be and I know its the beginning not the end. I love you and I will miss you but I know that you will always be in my heart as with Mom and Freddy and the rest that have gone ahead so its 5:30 now and I know that it is cocktail hour so cheers to the best man.
Love Mary

January 8, 2014

Constance Aubrey

Dear Dad:
Top of the day to ya!
I don't even know where to begin, so I will begin with of how much you have meant to me, you were such a strong man and a wonderful father any daughter would be lucky to have a father like you. I have learned so much from you. As being the youngest of seven children I really did not get a chance to spend the time with you as a child, but I did as an adult, ever since I got back from California you have shown me so much, such as the importance of family and friends! You also taught me to put all my faith in God, you gave me a picture once with these words, "Good Morning this is God
I will be handling all of your problems today - I will not need your help - So relax and have a great day." Well dad I believe in that so much so thank you! I have enjoyed our time together especially for inviting me to the many political functions to News max Christmas parties, I felt so lucky to be able to be a part of that. You also were a wonderful grandfather to my son, he looked up to you so much and loved the witty comments you made to the stories of yours and moms family especially Great Uncle "Poison Joe" Brennan the Hall of Famers player. Lastly, these last three years will never be forgotten thank you Dad!
I Love you very very much!

January 8, 2014

Peter Brennan

Posted by Peter Brennan

January 8, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

January 8, 2014

MarySue Farrar

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

January 7, 2014

Peter Brennan

Posted by Peter Brennan

January 7, 2014

Peter Brennan

Posted by Peter Brennan

January 7, 2014

Peter Brennan

Dear Dad,

I will always remember what you taught me and for always being there to support me. Our time working together professionally and building your website "Wednesday On The Web" every Tuesday night will always hold a special place in my heart. As a young man I know I caused you trouble, but after all I am a BRENNAN! a name that I am very proud of.
Over the years I began to understand what it meant to be a father raising two beautiful daughters of my own relying on the lessons you taught me to help guide them through life.
I know that when mom died a part of you died as well leaving an empty hole that could never be filled until you were once again reunited with your beloved wife up in heaven. Now that hole has been filled and although we are deeply sadden and will miss you we are also very happy for you.
I will always keep you in my daily prayers and pray that you, mom and our brother Freddy will pray for us too until we can all be together once again in heaven.

As I tell my daughters "I love you all the way to God and Back".

Love your son
Peter

January 7, 2014

Paige Brennan

Phil was not just my father in law. He was also my Godfather. That was by choice because he was the most religious man I knew when I chose to convert to Catholicism and be baptized before my marriage to Peter! Peter and I have been married for nearly 25 years now and I consider his siblings to be my siblings. And I consider his father to be my father as well. He was one of the most amazing and entertaining men I have ever known and he will always live on in my heart! I will miss him greatly, as I do my mother in law, and his witty words of wisdom will always pop into my head when needed! I love you Phillip Vincent Brennan, Jr. and one day, perhaps, we will continue our spirited debates beyond the pearly gates!

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1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432

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