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James Brennan Obituary

James Visconti Brennan CHESAPEAKE - James "Jay" V. Brennan, 46, passed away at his home in Chesapeake on Sept. 18, 2010, after a three-year courageous fight against brain cancer. Jay was born in Woburn, Mass., in 1964. He graduated from Saint Francis Preparatory School in 1982 and received a BS in political science from Saint Francis University of Loretto, Pa., in 1986. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Michelle E. Brennan, and two children, Emily, 17, and Kevin, 13. He is also survived by his parents, Richard and Claire Brennan of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; sisters Katherine Reilly of New Rochelle, N.Y., and Janet Zeh of St. Simons Island, Ga.; brother Peter Brennan of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; brother-in-laws Thomas Reilly, Fredrick Zeh and Christopher Warner; sister-in-law Dana Warner; his wife's parents, Richard and Karen Jones; and five nieces and nephews. Jay began his career in the food industry with Hearne Kirkwood in Hanover, Md. For the last 18 years he was employed by Sysco, most recently as senior vice president of Merchandising, Sysco Food Services of Hampton Roads. A funeral Mass to be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 518 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23707 by Monsignor Richard Tillman on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. The family will be holding a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Baker- Foster Funeral Home, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk, VA 23435. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC 3624, Durham, NC 27710 (www.cancer.duke.edu/btc). Please include the following reference: Angels-Jayboy Formation. Condolences may be registered at www.bakerfoster.com.

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Stacey Hauck

September 23, 2010

Michelle and Family,
Jay will always be in our heart and in our prayers. He will be missed dearly but we carry great memories which will always bring a smile to our face.

With deepest simpathy, we are so very sorry for your loss

Stacey Hauck and Jim Jarosh

September 23, 2010

Jay was a St. Francis College friend to many who lived his life with a smile on his face and a joyful heart. May he rest in peace.
Joe Boylan

Eric Zeilor

September 23, 2010

I had the pleasure of knowing Jay for over 12 years while working at Sysco. He was always a person that a peer could count on to help out no matter what needed to be done. He was a good person and I am sure equally as good a father and husband. I will miss talking with him and seeing him at Sysco conference. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

heather bass

September 22, 2010

Michelle, Emily, and Kevin....Please know that all of us at Dr. Sotack's office are truly sorry for the loss of Jay. Our hearts broke for you all when we heard the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Heather Bass, RDH

John "Junior" Klein

September 21, 2010

Honest, courageous, kind, positive, are traits which I will remember Jay. It has been a pleasure meeting and calling on Jay for the last ten years. His love for his family and friends is endless. My condolences to all who will miss Jay so dearly!

Denise Conter

September 21, 2010

Michelle,Emily,Kevin...We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sue Hall

September 21, 2010

Claire,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. There is no greater loss than that of a child. Stay strong.
Sue Hall

Jean Veilleux

September 20, 2010

I had the pleasure of knowing Jay for about 10 years in the food service industry. He was always a pleasure to deal with. He was a good person and will miss seeing him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Leigh Oblinger

September 20, 2010

Janet, Peter and all wonderful Brennans:
We are thinking of you during this sad time.....I know this is harder than any of us can imagine. Jay certainly had the best thing anyone can have - an amazing family.
So sorry for your loss.
Love you all,
Leigh Oblinger and Aaron Hill

Charles Gilbert

September 20, 2010

I had the pleasure of meeting Jay over 30 years ago and was able to watch him grow into a very fine and well respected man. He will be sorely missed and he along with his wife, children, parents, brother and sisters are and will be in our thoughts and prayers for some time to come.

Larry and Zani Autry

September 20, 2010

Jay was such a fine person. Our condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace, and God bless his family.

glen wolther

September 20, 2010

Jay was one of the good guys in our industry. A nice and fair person. He will be very missed by all of us who had to sit across the desk and negotiate with him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Shelley Carr

September 20, 2010

Jay was well respected amongst his Sysco peers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Ashleigh Sowards

September 20, 2010

May Jay find peace in Heaven. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a co-worker of Jay's and although I was unable to get to know him personally he was always very welcoming and just a sweet man. Sysco has lost someone very dear to them. Your family will be in my prayers.

Tishia Frye

September 20, 2010

Be at rest Jay for the Lord will be with your family and friends. He that overcometh shall inherit all things.

Debbie Coffman

September 20, 2010

It was such a great pleasure working with Jay. He was one of the most easy going, friendly, personable, people. He always had a word of kindness, suggestion, or encouragement. He cared about all. He was also one of the most brave and courageous man I have come across, especially when it came to his illness. He loved his work, but mostly he loved his family. My prayers and condolences are with each of you. God Bless !

Mark Brockway

September 20, 2010

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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