Allen E. Brennan

Allen E. Brennan, 82, passed away Aug. 17 at The Gardens at York Terrace with his wife by his side.

Born Sept. 13, 1939, in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Albert Brennan and Elizabeth (Harris) Brennan.

Allen was a graduate of Pottsville High School, and he attended Penn State University.

After a brief stint as a draftsman at Alcoa, Allen found his niche as the director of visual merchandising for Pomeroy's and then Bon-Ton for 47 years, using his artistic talents to create those beautiful displays that customers loved to look at as they walked through the store.

Allen was a devout Episcopalian for his entire life and was always active in his church, Trinity Episcopal, serving on vestry for many years and also on the Marian Price Trust Committee. He could be found helping to prepare church dinner and rolling Easter eggs in chocolate for the church's annual sale or setting up spectacular buffets for after-church receptions.

Preceding him in death were his brother, John Brennan; sisters, Elizabeth Merlino and Lillian Cutler; father-in-law, Eugene B. Murphy; mother-in-law, D. LaRue Murphy.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Murphy Brennan; daughter, Seraphina Elizabeth Brennan and her wife, Aimee, of Austin, Texas; brothers-in-law, Richard Murphy and Eugene Murphy and his wife, Jane; sister-in-law, Alice Brennan; many nieces and nephews.

Allen was a talented visual director with a keen sense of style, display and décor. His artistic talents provided beauty in his church and in his home, but his true talent was being a genuinely kind, compassionate and loving human being; a man who loved his wife during their 42 years together and adored his beautiful daughter, Seraphina, from the moment of her birth. He filled our lives with love and laughter. The world is a lesser place for his absence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St., Pottsville, PA 17901. As per Allen's request, services are private and at the convenience of the family. Lord-Bixler Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.