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John Brennan Obituary

John Leonard Brennan, of Tierra Verde, Florida and Burr Ridge, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the age of 60. John was born May 9, 1962, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Edward and Lois Brennan of Burr Ridge, Illinois. John is remembered for his innate ability to connect with others, remarkable kindness, faith, and humility, unwavering commitment to his community, and deep love for his family and friends. John left every room a brighter place and every person a better version of themself. Many knew John as an inspiring leader, a committed colleague, and a loyal friend, but his favorite role in life was loving husband, father, and grandfather. John's presence can be felt from miles away and his impact will, simply, last a lifetime. John had an impressive professional career. In his most recent years, during his "pseudo-retirement," John directed his attention to his passion for real estate, as both a commercial and residential investor. From 2007 until 2018, John led Private Wealth Management for William Blair & Company (Barron's Top 40 Wealth Managers) - notably leading growth of over $10 billion in just 4 years. Prior to, John was President of Bank of America - Illinois and Central US, Regional President of Bank of America Private Bank with additional executive level leadership positions at BofA spanning over 22 years - including marketing, corporate strategy, and commercial banking. John showcased his commitment to the Chicago community through an extensive list of external engagements including Lead Director at a multi-billion dollar family office, Miami Corporation, Vice Chair of PBS affiliate WTTW/WFMT, Trustee and Executive Committee Member of DePaul University, Trustee and Chair of Quality Care Committee for Rush University Medical Center, Trustee for the Harris Theatre, former Vice Chair and Life Trustee for Chicago Public Library Foundation, and appointed by the late Cardinal Francis George as one of his key financial advisors, among a host of other community activities. John is survived by his beloved wife Jean née. McLellan of 31 years and two children, daughter Kelly (Geoff)Powell; son Jack Brennan, and grandson Kane Powell. He is also survived by two sisters, Cindy (John)Walls and Sharon Lisnow, two brothers, Ed (Debbie)Brennan and Don (Kim)Brennan , and two sisters-in-law, Babs (Jeff)Herman and Karan (Andy)Stockett as well as numerous nephews and nieces whom he loved very much. John is preceded in death by his mother Lois Lyon Brennan and father Edward Allan Brennan, mother-in-law Barbara Brady McLellan and father-in-law John Kane McLellan, sister Linda Thode, nephews Marshall Brennan and Michael Lisnow, and niece Amy Lisnow. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 11, from 3-7 PM at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook, IL. Family and friends will meet on Wednesday, October 12, for a 9:30 AM Funeral Mass at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago. A private family interment will be held at Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center, 112 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748. For more information 630-325-2300, www.adolfservices.com or www.powellfuneraldirectors.com.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Darrick Koltas

October 17, 2022

As someone who worked for his real estate business, I didn´t see him as a client or manager but more of a humble friend who showed he was caring and devoted to his work and passion.

May god watch over you and the Brennan Family.

Graham Winter

October 13, 2022

With deepest sympathy to the Brennan family for this sad loss,

P. Johnson

October 12, 2022

Dear Brennan Family,

With a heavy heart on hearing of the unexpected loss of your love one.
May God comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kimberly Robbins

October 11, 2022

We met through Countyline Design Center. John actively sought out ways to help better his community of friends and colleagues. He genuinely wanted to get to know the people he met along his journey regardless of their position. He was both kind and thoughtful. He will be dearly missed.

Kim Kotty

October 7, 2022

Kelly, Jack, and the entire Brennan Family- My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Please know that all of you will be in my intentions as you mourn this tremendous loss.

J.Jones

October 6, 2022

Dear Brennan, offering my deepest condolences to the family, please take comfort in knowing that God cares personally for you and your family.

DT

October 6, 2022

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please take comfort in the words found at 2nd Thessalonians 2:16,17.

Martin Gawne

October 5, 2022

I had the distinct privilege and pleasure of working with John at William Blair.

We connected immediately because of our shared family history. John's father's family and my family were members of the same parish in Oak Park (St. Catherine of Siena).

I believe it's rare to find corporate leaders with all the qualities and character that John embodied--integrity, wisdom, insight, empathy, kindness, humility and good humor, to name just a handful.

The world was clearly a better place because of John!

My deepest sympathies to the Brennan family for this tremendous loss. May your happy and wonderful memories of John provide you with comfort in the days ahead.

Anne Grady

October 5, 2022

To family and friends of this bright light, my condolences and wishes for peace as you - we - grieve a heavy loss. John lived an exceptional life and leaves a beautiful legacy in so many ways. So much to celebrate! Thoughts of him and you will abide with me.

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Memorial Events
for John Brennan

Oct

11

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adolf and Powell Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Willowbrook

7000 South Madison Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527

Oct

12

Funeral Mass

9:30 a.m.

Old St. Patrick’s Church

700 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Adolf and Powell Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Willowbrook

7000 South Madison Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527

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