Francis J. Brennan

Francis J. Brennan 1925 - 2017
WATERVILLE - In the stillness just before dawn on Friday, May 26, 2017, the date of his late beloved wife Marion's birthday, Francis J. Brennan, 92, of Stafford Avenue, passed away peacefully, with the love and support of his family, at the Waterville Residential Care Center.
He was born in Sauquoit on March 18, 1925, the son of the late Leo and Mary (Sheridan) Brennan. Francis graduated as salutatorian from Sauquoit High School, then proudly served in the Navy during World War II as an electrician and bugler. On April 15, 1950, at St. Agnes Catholic Church of Utica, Francis married the love of his life, Marion Pellettier. They settled in Waterville to raise their family of five cherished children. Their loving union lasted over 55 years until Marion's passing in 2005. He worked for General Electric. in Utica, retiring with numerous years of service.
Francis's deep Catholic faith sustained him all his life. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, where he served as a Deacon and Eucharistic Minister and taught religious education for decades. The Syracuse Diocese honored him with the Immaculata Award in 2013.
A kind and modest man, he also gave generously to the wider community. He volunteered at the former Harding Nursing Home for over forty years and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #189 in Utica. His many interests included beekeeping, listening to classical music, and salvaging and repairing old farm equipment (first learned as a youngster on the family dairy farm in Sauquoit). His mechanical skills were legendary. Often "Franny" had only to listen on the telephone to the sputtering of a friend's car and he could diagnose its problem.
He treasured spending time with his family and became his wife's loving caretaker during her final illness. Francis will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his children, Mary Tretiak, of Waterville, Joseph Brennan, of Livingston, MT, Richard Brennan, of Waterville, James Brennan and his wife, Tracie, of Canastota, and Anne Barnes and her husband, Richard, of North Brookfield; nine cherished grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Francis was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Mary; his beloved wife, Marion; a brother, John; and a sister, Anna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at 11 AM, at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 from 4-7 PM, at the Paul Funeral Home, 3592 South Street, Madison.
In memory of Francis, and in lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 199 Stafford Avenue, Waterville, New York 13480.