Richard BRENAN

BRENAN Richard L. "Rit". Business and community leader, Rit Brenan, had many passions in his life: his family, his community and the organizations he led. He had a strong desire to make a difference, and enjoyed friendly competition-on the golf course, racing go-carts and playing cards. The former Managing Partner of KPMG touched countless lives with his generous spirit, leadership and good humor. Surrounded by his wife and children at his Western Hills home, Mr. Brenan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 21, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 63 years old. A leader of KPMG's Cincinnati office and a member of the company's National Board until his retirement in 1999, Mr. Brenan led the growth of the firm, mentored and developed future leaders, and set an enduring standard for client service. He was devoted to his family-living each day with courage, strength and optimism. He was a frequent presence at his grandson's football games, and his granddaughter's soccer games. Mr. Brenan served as an advisor and consultant to a variety of public and private companies in numerous industries. He served on the Board of Touchstone Investments and on the Advisory Board of Wing Eyecare Incorporated. He was proud to serve as the President of the Board of Directors of the Western Hills Country Club. Mr. Brenan was deeply committed to enhancing the Cincinnati community and actively served in many civic and charitable organizations. He held leadership positions in over twenty community groups. Most notably, he was past Chairman of the Board of the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and also served on the Executive Committee. He had responsibilities as a Board member of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce; on the University of Cincinnati College of Business Corporate Advisory Board; and on the Board of Trustees of the College of Mount Saint Joseph. He served as General Chairman of the 1993 Fine Arts Fund Campaign. He was a member of the Commonwealth Club and Leadership Cincinnati. In addition to all of his business and civic interests, Mr. Brenan, had diverse interests ranging from classical music to car racing; from golf to teaching his friends to play blackjack and poker. He was an avid sportsfan, and long-time supporter of the UC Bearcats. Born in Olean, New York, and raised in Eldred, Pennsylvania, he came to Cincinnati to attend the University of Cincinnati on scholarship, where he earned both a BBA and an MBA. He also taught accounting at UC while working his way through graduate school. He was admitted to the KPMG partnership in 1975, and became Managing Partner in 1987. Mr. Brenan is survived by his loving wife, Ellie J. Brenan, his devoted children Andrea (Randy) Gately, Jason Brenan, and devoted step-children Christy Contardi (Spencer) Stone and Gina Contardi (Jake) Sieving. He leaves behind loving grandchildren Sydney, Brenan, Sophia and Sarah. Additional survivors include stepmother, Helen Brenan, and brother Larry Brenan. He is preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Edwards. Friends may call at Westwood United Methodist Church, 3460 Epworth Avenue 45211 on Sunday from 3:00-6:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 26, at Westwood United Methodist Church, 3460 Epworth Avenue 45211. Memorials may be sent to the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, 720 Sycamore Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.