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Pete Brennan Obituary
Brennan, 75, was at a Durham rehabilitation center after his discharge about a week ago from UNC Hospitals, where he was treated for diverticulitis, said Kelly Brennan of Birmingham, Ala. Brennan had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in April, his daughter said.
Brennan was a member of the 1957 team that went unbeaten and won the national championship with a triple-overtime victory over Wilt Chamberlain and Kansas. Brennan's jumper with 4 seconds left forced the second of three overtimes in the semifinal win over Michigan State.
Brennan was Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year in 1958 and his No. 35 jersey hangs in the Smith Center.
Brennan was a first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks in 1958.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
35 Entries
March 18, 2015
My father Francis, or Bud as he is known, was a teammate at Saint Augustine's and shared several stories of their team. Condolences to the family.
Dave Wood
January 4, 2015
I was in basic training in the Marine Corps with Pete. We became close friends and I went to New York with him after basic training and spent a week with his family. Pete was the kind of person that left a positive influence on every one. I have tried to follow his example in the way I live my life. I had no idea of his death in 2012. I often think of the good times we has together. He even took me to meet Frank McGuire later when Frank coached at South Carolina. My only regret is that we didn't stay close later in life. I still think of Pete often. Semper Fi [email protected]
Jim Gregory
March 12, 2013
You were one of my heros Pete. RIP. Jim Gregory
October 12, 2012
I WAS A CLASSMATE AT ST.AUGUSTINE H.S. IN BROOKLYN,N.Y. 1954 GRADUATION. I WATCHED HIM PLAY FOR OUR SCHOOL.I REALLY ENJOYED BEING A CLASSMATE WITH HIM.I RECENTLY HEARD OF HIS PASSING FROM OUR HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI. PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES. THOMAS OLSZEWSKI,CLASS 1954. MIDDLETOWN CT.
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Carolann McGuire'Morgan
June 28, 2012
With a stylish sweater wrapped around his broad shoulders and a smile that warmed all of our hearts, Pete is now reunited with his team mate and dear friend, Bob Cunningham and his Coach and mentor, Frank McGuire. I can only imagine the welcome he has received from so many gone before him. I have such personal and wonderful memories of the UNC 1957 team and their Coach. My great fortune was in being Frank's daughter and having the absolute honor of knowing these incredible young men that in 1957, changed the history of basketball, not only for the Tarheels, but for the entire nation. My father loved every single one of these men and was incredibly proud of how they matured and lived their lives. Tommy Kearns, Joe Quigg, Bob Cunningham, Lennie Rosenbluth,Bob Young, Pete and all the rest are and have always been exceptional men of character and integrity. This stellor group of athletes remain at the very core of what made my father the success that he became. As a team they revolutionized how to play the game,stump their competitor,and with class and determination found a way to win! What a blessing they have been to all UNC fans and others whom love basketball and appreciate excellence! It is with sincere love and sympathy that I extend our condolences to the Brennan's, and to the UNC community that loved Pete for the fantastic man that he was. God Bless him on his new journey and may his stylish sweater be replaced by a robe of Grace........I wish him perfect happiness, and promise to never forget how authentically he impacted our lives.
Carol Ann McGuire'Morgan camorgan.yahoo.com Please feel free to contact me at any time, God Bless!
June 19, 2012
I treasure your help with me as a member of the 1958 freshman team when you watched us play before the Varsity home games in Chapel Hill...I will miss you...Peppy Callahan sends (UNC '62)....
Joe and Bianca MacConnell
June 17, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. Your loss is very painful at the moment but know that God will get you through. Psalms 55:22
Freddy Cheers
June 16, 2012
R.I.P Pete,
June 14, 2012
Pete was larger than life. Always had a kind smile and loved to talk to everyone. He will be missed by his friends at Cafe Carolina in Chapel Hill. May God be with his family during this time.
Greg Cook
June 14, 2012
Kimberly and I are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family.
Matt & Laura Brennan
June 13, 2012
Words can't express what he meant to Matt, myself and our boys... The boys simply could not get enough of him, his stories, adventures and basketball lessons. They really just wanted to be around him, it's true, his presence was larger than life! He took the time to talk to each one of us individually, just to see how life was going. An inspiration to our entire family. We'll miss that, but know he'll be here in our hearts.
There will truly be a void where he so stately stood among us but without a doubt his legacy will be carried on by his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and all the rest of us. We promise to carry on your stories and passion.
Bet your parents & brothers were waiting for you with open arms! Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand...
We love you and will miss you everyday Uncle Pete...
Slán go fóill
June 13, 2012
To the BRENNAN family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
Donald O'Dey
June 13, 2012
I have many autographed UNC items which Pete was so kind to take the time to sign at the Dean Dome at many basketball games. He was always willing to take a few moments to share , take a picture or autograph some item. It will not be the same going to the Dean Dome and not finding him there cheering on his team.He was a kind and humble man who I greatly admired and appreciated. Once he put his "57 championship ring on my finger so I could get my picture taken with him.I will miss him greatly.
Ken Kennedy
June 12, 2012
Mr. Brennan may you rest in peace and may God bless your soul and your family as well.
It was an honor to meet you on the few times that I did while I was hanging out with Pete Jr. I became a great fan after I learned of your sports accomplishments as I was too young to have known about them from my younger days, but I enjoyed reading all about your Basketball prowess. May the Good Lord keep You and your Family in his Grace and ease your suffering hearts.
My Deepest Sympathies to you all.
Don Whitfield
June 12, 2012
I am very sorry to learn of Pete's passing. Pete was my roommate, fraternity brother and good friend at UNC. If Saint Peter was not a Tarheel fan before Peter's arrival at the pearly gate, I know for sure he is now after visiting with Pete!
May God rest his soul and give comfort to his family and friends.
Rob Cunningham
June 12, 2012
I knew Pete since childhood - he was my father's teammate on the 1957 UNC team, and the closest of friends. Pete was always larger than life - he filled a room with his charm and humor, and as he and his teammates gracefully aged, their stories and tales became more reverent and inspiring. My own son was privileged to have met Pete and the rest of the team and to spend time with many of them, and he understands (as do I) how special that group of men were, how special the UNC team was, and how remarkable their accomplishments. If there was a common theme among them, it was not the success and accolades of the 1957 season, it wasn't the press clippings, it wasn't the adoration of Carolina fans everywhere; rather, it was and is the dignity and character that each possessed that came from their youth and upbringing, and which was forged by Coach Mcguire.
Pete will be missed.
Rob Cunningham
June 12, 2012
And death will be swallowed up forever. This is a promise from God. May many good memories warm your aching hearts.
June 12, 2012
R.I.P. Prayers to your loved ones ~
Donna James
June 12, 2012
I remember you, Pete. You were my Tar Heel who played well in College Basketball tournaments. May God send your soul to Paradise, Heaven and The Eternal Bliss.
You'll be truly missed!
June 12, 2012
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May God's love comfort and strengthen your family during this difficult time. John 16:22
June 12, 2012
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May God's love comfort and strengthen your family during this difficult time. John 16:22
June 11, 2012
As a Tarheel I send my prayers to his family.....we have truely lostr a great one...
Alan Sugar
June 11, 2012
May the Lord Bless and keep you. Alan Sugar
June 11, 2012
May God's gentle peace fill your heart
and comfort your ...soul today and in the days to
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.-John 14:18 come,
Green, L.-W. P. Bch., FLA 33407
June 11, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in 1 Pet. 5:7.
June 11, 2012
Pete and the others were amazing in Kansas City and any place else the 57 team played. It was a joy to be a UNC cheerleader during those times.
Harold Williamson, Charloitte NC
Charlotte Riggins
June 11, 2012
To the family. I don't of him. My thoughts and prayers r with yall family.
Margaret
June 11, 2012
May you all continue to throw your burden on our Heavenly Father and He will sustain you all at this time. I am sorry for your loss.
June 11, 2012
To the the family of Pete Brennan - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
June 11, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Brennan family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Larry Wilkerson
June 11, 2012
When I watched UNC win the National Championship in 1957 I became a Tarheel fan. So sorry to hear about Pete.
Cocky Rodgers
June 11, 2012
Sorry to hear of Peters death... Great friend in the clothing business... Will be greatly missed...
Christopher Morris
June 11, 2012
I love basketball
M. Joseph
June 11, 2012
My condolences to the family as you mourn your loss. May the God of comfort help you through this most difficult time.
June 11, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all his memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
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