Earl Francis Brosnahan Jr.

Earl Francis Brosnahan Jr. (Frank) died June 21, 2018. He died at home surrounded by his family only hours before the funeral for his beloved daughter Katherine Noel Brosnahan (Katy).
A lifelong resident of Kansas City, Frank was above all else a gentleman, always gracious, witty, insightful and considerate of others. He enjoyed a spirited life with a legion of admiring friends who would be amazed that he outlived most of them! His intellect and memory were gifted. An extremely literate man, he pursued his love of reading of every kind throughout his life, particularly poetry and etymology.
Frank relished the fact that "he never graduated from high school". When he entered Rockhurst College and played football there he was really a junior in high school. At age 17 he reportedly lied about his age to enlist in the Navy, he arrived in Japan near the end of WWII, and after that he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve. Frank graduated from the University of Miami (FL) in 1949 where he played tennis. He remained an avid tennis player for many years and later took up golf.
Frank returned to Kansas City and joined his father as the fourth generation in the family construction business. An industry magazine in 1964 profiled his "New Way With An Old Business" as he was named the youngest president of the Midwest Heavy Contractors Association.
Frank carefully read the KC Star daily, integrating news, local profiles and even want ads into a deeply informed portrait of the city and people he knew well and loved. He was a member of the Carriage Club for more than 60 years and was seen there regularly throughout the years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Francis and Helen Mottin Brosnahan, his sisters, Katherine and deSalme "Sammie", and his daughter, Katherine Noel Brosnahan. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Palmer Brosnahan (Kathryn), his sister Virginia McCallister, and brothers, Leger, Roger and John Brosnahan; his children, Missy Brosnahan, Earl F. Brosnahan III (Carol), Ann DiVita (Nick), Reta Saffo (Karl) and Eve Brosnahan Brisley (Kent), eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family thanks the kind caretakers and hospice. A private burial is planned. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in his honor be directed to Kansas City Care Clinic, 3515 Broadway, KCMO 64111 or St. Lukes Hospice. 4225 Baltimore, KCMO 64111