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Daniel J. Brennan, 82, passed away on Sunday, June 9th surrounded by family. Born to a family of 13 children in Chicago's south side stockyards neighborhood, he attended St. Gabriel's parish school, Quigley Seminary, Loyola University, and Loyola Law School. He is survived by his immediate family, former wife and mother of his children, Theresa Brennan (Villanova, PA); and 10 children: Joe (Julie) Brennan, Wayne, NJ; Sheila Brennan, Villanova, PA; Kevin (Zuly) Brennan, Los Angeles, CA.; Tom (Joan) Brennan, Elmhurst, IL; Mary (late Robert) Calkins; Anne (John) Malec, Chicago, IL; Peter Brennan, Narberth, PA; Nora Brennan (Steve Miller), Wayne, PA; Daniel Brennan, NY, NY, and Neal Brennan, Venice, CA. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Caity, Jessica, and Megan Brennan; Michael and Kim Krezwick; Carmen and Daniel Brennan; Jack, Emily and Annie Brennan; Tara and Clare Calkins; Luke and Liam Miller; and Wes Brennan. He is also survived by 10 siblings: Kieran (late Irene), Robert Brennan, Philip (late Betty), Maura Maibuecher (late John), Marguerite Ferrington (John), Brigid Krutek (Don), Noreen Brennan, Paul Brennan, Cathy Bateman (Frank), Jo Rendulic (Gene). His twin brother, Joe, died in childhood; his brother John (Jack) died in 2010. Dan was an uncle to 41 nieces and nephews. Dan spent most of his adult life in Chicago and Wayne, Pennsylvania: working; coaching little league; directing school plays; jogging every morning, and preparing gourmet French meals on Sunday for his family. He joined local school boards to act as a steward for tax payer dollars. He was a founding supporter of A Better Chance (ABC) in Radnor, PA, a program providing educational and family support to high school age teens from poor inner-city families. He passed along his quick-wit, intellectual curiosity, and story-telling to his offspring, with several enjoying successful careers in the entertainment industry. Dan used his law degree to specialize in taxes for multi-national corporations - working for John Bryan at Sara Lee Corporation and Rupert Murdoch at News Corp. He was also employed during his long career by General Telephone, NY, NY; Seeburg Corporation, Chicago, IL; and International Utilities, Philadelphia, PA. The complexity and technical aspects of tax work provided a constant challenge. He thoroughly enjoyed sparring with the Internal Revenue Service. One of the highlights of his 40 year career was testifying before the United States House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee in Washington, DC. Dan was an avid reader and his selections included history, religion, genetics, and theoretical physics. He greatly enjoyed travel, an interest kindled by serving in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War when his ship, the USS Lansing, traveled to Asia. He was known to his shipmates as "wrong arm,"- operating equipment designed for right handed people with his left-hand. He returned to Chicago shortly after retiring at the age of 62, where he spent the remainder of his life. These years were spent with his children and grandchildren, traveling, taking bike trips, reading, and taking continuing education classes - and advising friends on tax matters. He was a life-long investor and market watcher; he felt stock trading in his later years maintained his mental acuity. In early 2013, Dan moved into the Clare at Water Tower, where he quickly made new friends, and was an avid participant in the "Breakfast Club". The family will be celebrating Dan's memory on Friday, June 21st, from 5:30 pm at Tavern at the Park, located at 130 East Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60601. Relatives and friends are also invited to a visitation on Saturday, June 22nd, beginning at 9:30 AM to be followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 AM at Assumption Catholic Church, 323 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Misericordia (www.misericordia.com), St. Gabriel's Parish (www.saintgabes.com), and A Better Chance (www.radnorabc.org/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our prayers and deepest sympathies especially to Neal. -Brennana (Sending Love!)
Spannaus Family
December 20, 2020
Uncle Dan
I didn't get to know you as well as I shouldve but my memories of you are all very funny and kind. Ive never met any of your children (my cousins) but I hope you all are well and keeping dans whitty humor alive.
sarah brennan
October 13, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with all the Brennan's. And special blessings for the genorosity of spirit to found the Radnor ABC Program. Through this program, Mr. Brennan enhanced the lives of many students (and their families).
Michele Rogers
June 24, 2013
We thank Dan for so many happy memories at St. Gabe's and all the good times so many years ago. June Topel Mekenas
June Mekenas
June 20, 2013
Patty Binkowski (Brennan)
June 19, 2013
To All the Brennan's,
You All have been and will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Dan, you will be missed by all.
With my love and prayers.
Kathy Brennan
Kathy Brennan
June 18, 2013
Our sympathies and prayers for Dan and all the Brennans. Thank you for remembering our Misericordi residents.
Sister Paulette Misericordia
June 17, 2013
My sympathy to you and your family.
Ralph Wehrenberg
June 17, 2013
Love you Dan and will continue to pray for your soul.
Phil
June 17, 2013
Wow! what a story. What a legacy. Most fitting to read about such large families on Fathers Day. Our condolences to all the Brennans. I'm sure you'll miss Daniel and think of him often.
Tim & Elaine Shanahan
Tim & Elaine Shanahan
June 17, 2013
We want to send out our love and prayers for the Brennan family far and wide, with deepest sympathy and a wish that you find peace in good time. Sincerely, Mike and Barbara Kurilich
June 16, 2013
One of the "Ice Cream Uncles"! After such a full and prolific life, enjoy your rest and reunions! Your children, grandchildren and siblings are in our prayers. Thanks for the laughs and the "scoops".
Diane (Bateman) & Orlando Martinez
June 16, 2013
Catherine, I'm so sorry about Dan. Thank you for sharing his beautiful obituary. All my love and sympathy to you and your family.
Sandy Hillard
June 16, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the Brennana family especially Sheila, Mike & Kimmie....love the Caseys of Canton
June 16, 2013
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