John V. Brennan

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John V. Brennan, age 68, of East Greenwich, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2013 at home.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Herbert V. and Betty L. (Woodmansee) Brennan, he was a lifelong area resident, having also lived in Warwick for many years. John was a loving caretaker for his late parents. A graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, class of 1963, he majored in Physical Education at URI and served in the United States Air Force Reserves. John helped secure restitution for victims as a Senior Case Manager with Justice Assistance in Providence for over 30 years, retiring in 2005. He also worked as a garage mechanic prior to his counseling career. John had many diverse interests throughout his active life. He loved racing his Penton motorcycle in the wooded areas of Southern RI and was proud to have his rock climbing photo featured on the cover of Trail Rider Magazine in 1970. A musician and actor he joined East Greenwich Academy Players, performing in several musicals; formed and sang with his band the “Sliding Capo’s” and was an intensely passionate Elvis enthusiast from a very early age. He played adult league softball, volunteered as a bartender to learn the trade and was a self-taught amateur photographer. He was a member of the East Greenwich Veterans Fireman’s Association and the American Legion Post #15. John was a people person undaunted by age, social status, political correctness or the latest fashions. With elfin like amusement, John would gather people from the many layered social tiers of life, lead them in song and merriment, then relish in the fact that everyone had fun! A facilitator by nature, he had a seemingly effortless talent for connecting people in need with the exact person who could teach them how to fill that need. Numerous friends, colleagues and even acquaintances reaped the benefit of this talent, as John was very generous with his time and expertise. His lifelong contacts, from a plethora of professions, created his virtual rolodex of contacts.

Surviving: five siblings: Jean L. Brennan, George M. Brennan, Dr. Herbert J. Brennan, Elizabeth “Dibby” Mc Cartney and Mary-Jane W. Brennan; nieces and nephews: Emily, Matthew, Scott, Shannon, Leslie and Brian; John’s best friends in life: George F. Anderson and Gail F. Ray; and his beloved cat “Cuttie Boots”.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 10 a.m. in St. Francis de Sales Church, 381 School St, North Kingstown, RI. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-7 p.m. in the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St. East Greenwich, RI. Burial will be on Block Island. www.hillfuneral home.com