Thomas Brennan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 2, 2013.

Thomas Joseph Brennan, 88, surrounded by family and friends, passed away after a period of declining health, on December 30th, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. Tom was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on June 20, 1924, the son of James J. and Nora Brennan.

Tom was an honor student and athlete at Haverford High School in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and graduated in 1943. After graduation, Tom attended Rider College in New Jersey, where he lettered in basketball, football and golf and gained many life long friendships. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and graduated in 1949.

Tom Brennan proudly served his country during World War II as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army's 41st Infantry Division. During his service, he was bestowed commendation of The Purple Heart and The Bronze Star Award under U.S. General Omar Bradley.

After the war, Tom married his first love and high school sweetheart, Mary Louise Wertzberger on April 22, 1950, and the couple resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Houston, Texas and then settled in Charlotte, NC, where they lived most of their lives. Tom and Mary raised eight wonderful children; five sons: Thomas Jr., Barry, Kevin, Tim and Terry, and three lovely daughters: Mary Louise, Colleen and Patricia.

After college, he began a sales management career in the steel industry, primarily with Armco Steel, that spanned an impressive 50 years.

Tom's dedication and generosity throughout his life did not go unrecognized. In 1980, Tom and Mary Brennan were deeply honored to receive Honorary Doctorates of Law Degree (L.L.D.) from Belmont Abbey College. They were recognized at the school's commencement address that year by Belmont administrators in accordance with the theme: "The American Family: in the Year of the Family."

As a devout Catholic his entire life, Tom remained active in the Church and was a parishioner of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He was proud to be a life long member of the Knights of Columbus Council 770 in Charlotte. In the spirit of giving, Tom was credited with developing the Knights of Columbus Charity Horse Show, which was a long-standing tradition in Charlotte, its proceeds given to local area families and charitable organizations in need.

As a licensed Steward for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and The Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) for 35 years, Tom was a respected official at hundreds of world-class equestrian events all over the country. He served a term as head of the licensed officials for the USEF, and was honored to be the recipient of "The Sallie Busch Wheeler Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy" in 2010 at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show.

Tom was proud to be able to live his passion for basketball as the head basketball coach for Charlotte Catholic High School for many, many years. He was deeply honored in the last year of his life, to be inducted into the Charlotte Catholic High School Hall of Fame. His love for basketball spanned the years, and he deeply cherished the lifelong friendships he had with former players and students.

Tom will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of storytelling and his tremendous faith in God. There wasn't a stranger he wouldn't befriend, or a trip to Ireland he didn't cherish. He was a loving husband and father, who adored his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Above all else, he treasured family and friends, and went out of his way to lend a hand to those in need.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Louise, whom he lost too soon; brother, Charles Brennan; and parents, James and Nora Brennan.

Tom is survived by his wife, Lynn Purdie Brennan, whom he married in 1991. Tom and Mary leave behind eight children: Thomas Jr. (Barbara) of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Barry (Jane) of Littleton, Colorado, Mary Louise (Ben Choate) of Heath Springs, South Carolina, Colleen Ross of Charlotte, North Carolina, Kevin (Ashley) of Greenville, South Carolina, Patricia (Paul Coughlin) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Tim (Zoe) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Terry (Katie) of Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the proud grandfather of sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Sean Ross, Brady Ross, Brennan Choate, Kennedy Snyder, Amelia Snyder, Beckett Brennan, Conor Brennan, Rhys Brennan, Cameron Coughlin, Kristen Coughlin, Conor Coughlin, Lynne Bevins, Parker Bevins, Pryce Bevins, Meredith Bevins, Murphy Brennan, Mary McGuire Brennan, Patrick Brennan, Thomas Brennan, Jody Lavender, Megan Lavender, and Samantha Lavender.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at St. Peter's Church at 507 South Tryon Street in Charlotte, NC. Tom will be interred immediately following at Belmont Abbey at 100 Belmont-Mt Holly Road in Belmont, North Carolina.

Gifts in Tom's memory may be made to the The Friedland Foundation c/o The Foundation For The Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

April 21, 2013

Ray& Alison Digan

To Lynn and all the Brennan Family. it is with great regret to learn of the death of Thomas(Tom).A wonderful husband, A most wonderful father, and a great, great friend. Carolians & Ireland's Loss heavens gain Rip Tom. We will never forget you .Tom and family will always be in our prayers.

January 8, 2013

To the Brennan Clan:

This is truly the end of an era. Tom and Mary Brennan were the king of people that all of us want as friends. They were fun, kind, moral,religious, hard working and good solid people. The world will be at a lost for a bit. However, I know that Vic & Jean were with Mary waiting to welcome Tom home. I have visions of them having coctails and dinner and laughing for hours. We were such luky kids to have had parents like this! The Brennan clan will continue Tom's kindness and world imppact, I know. Prayers continue for all of you. I wish that we could have been in NC to say goodbye.
We will always remember Tom & Mary Brennan.
Lots of Love,
Vicki Williams English

January 7, 2013

Bill and I send our deepest sympathies to the family. I know Tom would have loved all you arranged in his honor, particularly the wake. The service, Tom's eulogy, the bagpipes and the lovely singing were all a wonderful tribute to a life extremely well-lived. You all were so fortunate to have him as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bill and I feel honored to be numbered among his many friends. May God continue to hold the Brennans in the palm of his hand until you see Tom and your mother again. (God has a really big palm.) Libby and Bill

January 6, 2013

ruth cecil

Dear Tim and Zoe,
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know your father's love will live on in your hearts forever.
Love, Ruth and Chris

January 6, 2013

Mary Pat Harvey

I am so glad I was able to attend your
father's Mass yesterday. I only had
the privilege of knowing him for a
few years. He came to CCH when I was
a Sophomore. You all were very young,
and some just a love in your Mother's
heart yet to come. I never had the
privilege of knowing you. But have
heard wonderful stories from my sister
Peggy Harper Burley,
May God rest his Irish soul in peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat Harper Harvey/Rock Hill SC

January 6, 2013

Gwen Campbell Rhodes

I have many fond memories of your father and the fabulous horse shows he organized. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My parents send their condolences as well.

January 5, 2013

Lori Robinson-Veith

What a beautiful service you all gave to your father today. Tom Jr's message about your father's kindness and willingness to stop whatever he was doing to spend time with his children and give each of you whatever he could (even a sweater from his closet) speaks volumes of the true selfless love both Tom and Mary had for their family. Growing up with Trish and coming to the Brennan farm was always a special treat...so much warmth, love and laughter. What a blessing and an honor it is to have known both of your parents. May God strengthen and comfort you all at this time.

January 5, 2013

Paul Heffner

I have known Colleen since we were in first grade together at St Ann's. Just like my family the Brennan's had a large Catholic family. Great people and great memories. I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing Colleen but happy to know he has rejoined your mother and is now enjoying eternal life with God in heaven. May God Bless the entire Brennan family.

January 5, 2013

Barbara Baker

To the Brennan Family:
Your dad was the best! I knew him for many years from the horse show world. His endless tact, diplomacy, and experience were legendary. What a treasure!We were lucky to have enjoyed him for so many years. My sympathies to all of you on your loss.

January 5, 2013

Cathy Morris

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

January 5, 2013

Judy & Charles Smith

Brennan Family , We are sad with the passing of your father. He was a great friend for the past 40 plus years. We shall miss him, however we know he is now reunited with your mother Mary in heaven with God for Eternal happiness. May Peace be with you, Love, Judy and Charles Smith

January 5, 2013

Bob Finley

To Tom Jr., Barry, Mary Louise & rest of the Family.So sorry to hear about Toms passing. He was a roll model & mentor for me during my college years and my life. We lost touch over the years but Tom & Mary will always hold a special place in my world. Wish you all the best, your in my thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Bob Finley

January 5, 2013

Ira Ollis

Thinking of you. Jess, Ira, Zach Ollis, & Mary Lou Harris.

January 4, 2013

Hey Trish,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lots of love. Beth Anne

January 4, 2013

#1 always. Deanie and I will your miss your company and friendship. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. John & Deanie Gersch

January 4, 2013

Mary Saunders De Hoyos

Sending my prayers and deep sympathies to all the family at this difficult time.

January 4, 2013

Colleen and Tricia, ( and family)
I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He sounded like a wonderful man> I pray your memories bring you much comfort. I will be thinking of you on Saturday.
Jennifer Vaden Morgan

January 4, 2013

Bill Hodgson

Tom Brennan had more friends than anyone I ever met, and he made each of them feel special (and most likely invited them along on his next trip to Ireland). God bless you on your journey, Tom, we will miss you.

January 4, 2013

Alex Hindi

So sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He was a great man. Some of my best times at the horse shows were hanging out with him talking, telling stories, laughing and playing golf. He was such a good friend to me and everyone else. I'm unable to attend the services, but I'll be thinking about him and all of his family.

January 4, 2013

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the BRENNAN FAMILY from all of the FOUST FAMILY. May God Bless each of you.

January 4, 2013

DEAR BRENNAN FAMILY,WE ARE SENDING MANY PRAYERS AND MUCH LOVE.TOM WAS SO SPECIAL TO US.WE LOVED HIM DEARLY AND HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.CLAUDE AND ALICE SHIFLET

January 4, 2013

Pete McHale

Tricia,Tim,+Terry+the rest of the Brennan Family-I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father-seemed like an extraordinary man-it was an honor to see him get inducted into CC Hall of Fame-the Brennan Family has my deepest sympathy
Pete McHale

January 3, 2013

DEAR MARY,I WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.YOUR DAD HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO KIND TO MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.HE HAS BEEN MY DEAR HORSESHOW FRIEND,LUNCH DATE AND GOLF CART DRIVER.ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN.I DONT DOUBT THAT HE IS WITH YOUR MOM NOW.RIP TOM. EDIE CONROY

January 3, 2013

I cherished Tom's friendship. His love of and dedication to our sport made us all better competitors and horse shows a better place to be. He was one of a kind and we will not see another like him. I will miss him,but am honored to have known him. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Jimmy Lee Keswick, Va

January 3, 2013

Word can't express our sympathy, just know you are in our thoughts and prayers! He was an example for all of us for his love of our Father, Family, Friends, and Animals... Love to all, The Sutton's

January 3, 2013

Wiss Costanza

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. His warmth and charm will be greatly missed.
Wiss Costanza

January 3, 2013

To all the Brennans-I am sorry to hear about your Dad- the loss we all feel is only offset by the wonderful memories of time spent with him -know you are in all our thoughts and prayers
Gurrie

January 3, 2013

Mike Mason

Brennan Family

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your father was always a very gracious man who commanded respect based upon the way he lived his life and the way he treated others.

Mr. Brennan left an incredible legacy that I am sure you are all very proud of.

Mike Mason

Posted by Mike Mason

January 3, 2013

Vandy Lipman

Your father was a true gentleman, a gentle man.... He was so fun to have around at our horse show and was also there to answer any question, big or small. He will be missed not only for his knowledge of the horse show world but also for his kindness and eagerness to help. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives....RIP Tom....

January 3, 2013

Jeff Smiley

I'm so sorry for your families lost . Your family is in my thoughts and prayers we have lost a very great man

January 3, 2013

Your dad was such a great man. The comfort is knowing that he is now in the arms of your Mother and the Lord. My heart goes out to you all...Hugs, Amy Wilson Hearn

January 3, 2013

Judy and Mike Christian

Mary , we are so sad to hear the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

January 3, 2013

Kim Tudor

Tom, "Coach" to his friends, was the kindest man you could ever meet. For over 25 years I enjoyed his sense of humor, his love of the horse people he worked with, and his love of family, including his horse show 'family'. His stories of Ireland were some of my favorite. Rest in Peace Tom, you will be greatly missed.

Posted by Kim Tudor

January 3, 2013

Robby and Joye Byrum

Tom was a great friend of our family. He loved Byrum's General Store (BBQ) and we loved being around him. I'm sure he and Dad are cookin' up something already. Our prayers are with the family.

January 3, 2013

Missy McCutcheon

Mary and Family, I was so sorry to learn of Tom's death. Such a special person. I will miss seeing him. Missy McCutcheon

January 3, 2013

Parker and Ed Minchin

Ed and I want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Tom was so many things to so many people. He was a special man, always a gentleman and always there to listen, help and generally make people feel better. He will be sorely missed by so many of us. As you go through this hard time I hope you will remember that those we love and lose are no longer where they were, they are now wherever we are. Our love and condolances to each and every one of you. Parker and Ed

January 3, 2013

Ollie and Cedrick Green

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

January 3, 2013

Rhonda Witmore

Kevin,

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

January 3, 2013

May our heavenly father give you the peace and comfort you need at this time of sadness. Arjorie Fields

January 3, 2013

Jose

Barry,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know he meant a lot to you.

Your strength of character and sense of pride will help you through this sad time.

Please accept my deepest condolences your family's loss. May his memory be eternal.

Jose / Bridon Brazil

January 3, 2013

Jeferson Leite

(To Barry Brennan) - My thoughts and prayers are to comfort you and your family on this moment. Jeferson Leite - Brazil.

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