Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joseph Brennan Obituary
Rochester, September 22, 2008. Father Brennan was a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester. During his ministry, he served as Assistant Pastor at St. Jerome's Church, East Rochester, Professor of Biblical Studies and Rector of St. Bernard's Seminary, Pastor of St, Mary's Church, Scottsville, Dean of St. Edmund's House at Cambridge University, England and Director of Religious Affairs at the University of Rochester. In his retirement, he was the week-end Assistant at St. Mary's Church in downtown Rochester. He is survived by his brother priests, his cousins in the Brennan and Craugh families, and many dear friends, especially the Jim and Monica Cloonan family of Rochester.
Father Brennan will lie in state at St. Mary's Church in downtown Rochester on Wednesday September 24 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. concluding with Evening Prayer celebrated at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, he will continue to lie in state from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Matthew H. Clark presiding. Memorials in his honor may be sent to St. Mary's Church, 15 South Street (14605), the Sisters of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Road (14610) or the Brennan-Goldman Institute at St. Bernard's School of Theology, 120 French Road (14618).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Brennan
Paul Herrmann
September 27, 2008
I wish to thank the staff of St.Mary's, Mercy Motherhouse, Bishop Clark, his fellow priests, the choir, the Craugh and Cloonan families, my own family, the Rochester interfaith community and especially Joe Kelly and Bill Donnelly for your kind care of a gentle giant. I came away from Joe's mass feeling great hope. I think the University of Rochester Medical School will learn much from him. He is still teaching. Family lore has it that a Brennan relative by the name of O'Grady owned the farm on which the River Campus is located. I'm glad he's back at the U or R. I miss him.
John Herrmann
September 27, 2008
We Catholic Boy Scouts of Rochester fondly remember Fr.Joe Brennan from the years that he hosted Rochester Boy Scout Catholic Retreats and campout at St.Bernards Seminary.The boys loved him but not as much as he loved them.
Virginia Berlin
September 24, 2008
Joe- as my cousin you touched my life- you touched the lives of my sons- you showed them that a Priest was a man who had compassion, who could laugh, who shout for his favorite team, who reached beyond the stuffy issues. I will so miss our calls, our talks about the daily grind and you taught us that while the grind can get in the way of faith-Christ is ALWAYS with us.
I love you Joe! You were my light -my family's light! Bryan and I will miss you- the boy's- now men are heartbroken at your passing- but because of your love and wisdom-they KNOW you watching over them- over us.
Enjoy Heaven- you earned it!
Always your cousin - Bije
Don and Barb Goodlein
September 23, 2008
Oh how we loved to hear Joe speak and how we will miss him, but we know he is in good hands.
Dr.Luzma Umpierre
September 23, 2008
As a PuertoRican woman, I always felt that he cared for all of us. I attended his anniversary Mass of ordination and keep that memento always with me. My deepest sympathy to the Community of Rochester and to those whose lives he touched at St.Mary's.
John Laky
September 23, 2008
A good man who did his best at St. Bernard's Seminary...May God bless him
Monica Brennan
September 23, 2008
I grew up in Oregon hearing about Father Joe and the Rochester relatives. Though I never had the privilege of meeting him (We did speak on the phone several times.), I am saddened that a chapter in our family history has closed. May he rest in peace.
Rev. Patrick Brennan
September 23, 2008
With gratitude for his ministry and friendship, his scholarship and generosity, may God bless him abundantly.
bill mccall
September 23, 2008
Awonderful professor at SBS: truly an uncomplicated man
The Reverend Jasper Pennington
September 23, 2008
Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the martyrs receive you, and bring you into the holy city Jerusalem. The Reverend & Mrs. Jasper Green Pennington, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Brennan's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Brennan
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Brennan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
