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Dr. Joseph T. Brennan
Dr. Joseph T. Brennan
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Joseph Brennan Obituary
On Tuesday, July 3, 2007, age 71, of Hampton Twp. Beloved husband of Mary Ellen Brennan. Father of Terrie Olander and Laura Sherwin. Son of Marie Brennan and the late Joseph T. Brennan, Sr. Brother of Maureen Lankiewicz. Grandfather to Erin, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Tyler, Taylor and Cassidy. Godfather of Ross Rotunda and Jeffery Morrison. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dr. Brennan was a reading professor at Duquesne University in the Dept. of Education for 36 years. He was a member of the International Reading Association and the Three Rivers Reading Council. He was also the Past President of the Orpheus Club where he held membership for 42 years. The family will receive friends on Thursday and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at SPERLING FUNERAL HOME, 700 Blazier Drive, McCandless, 724-933-9200. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday in St. Ursula Church, Allison Park at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Assoc., 490 E. North Ave., Ste. 500, Pgh., PA 15212.
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EUGENE TEMEL
June 28, 2024
I was just thinking about Dr Brennan the other day. He not only had a great effect on my life, but so many others. I asked Dr. Brennan if I could bring three of my football players that I coached to the Reading and Study Skills Course. He gladly agreed. Those three boys all went to colleges and had great careers. One went to the West Point, the other to the Air Force Academy and the third, my son attended Allegheny College, was Phi Beta Kappa, and got a full ride to his doctorate in biochemistry at Stony Brook. He is now at the University of Kentucky doing research on heart disease and alzheimers.
EUGENE TEMEL
June 28, 2023
Dr. Brennan who was my instructor, mentor and employer during my years in graduate and post graduate school. We had many discussions about education and life in general. I often think of him and our talks. Joe was a very wise man and a gentleman. I know he is with our Lord and is smiling down on us.
Eugene Temel
June 21, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Doc's passing. I was one of his numerous education majors students. While getting my Masters and Reading Specialists Certification, I spent a great deal of time with Dr. Brennan. He asked me to take over his Summer Reading and Study Skills Program. I did the speed reading part. I also taught a few night classes for him. When Doc brought the INROADS program to Duquesne University, he asked me help with that program. I spent almost 20 years working for Dr. Brennan. I began to know him a a friend and mentor. He demanded a lot of his students, but was always fair. He truly cared for his students. I treasure those hours, days and years I spent with Dr. Brennan. I was amazed by his knowledge in many subjects. He was truly one of the few people, that I have know, that I would call a renaissance man.
Anonymous
August 4, 2007
My Condolences...
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Nancy O'Neill
July 18, 2007
I attended Duquesne University as an undergraduate and graduate student. Dr. Brennan had a great deal of influence on me. I recall the deep love he had for his family. He was well respected for who he was and his intense desire to promote reading and exemplary reading instruction in the schools. Dr. Brennan touched so many lives.
Linda Connelly
July 17, 2007
Mary Ellen and Family,
I met Mr. Brennan when he came to Rebecca Residence. I worked with him each day. I found that he had an amazing sense of humor. It was a pleasure knowing him and meeting all of you. May God bless you.
Linda Connelly, CNA
April Witkowski
July 12, 2007
Dear Mrs. Brennan,
I wanted to express to you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. I was a student aide in the Graduate School of Education from 1986 through 1990. During my time there, I got to know many of the Education faculty, including your husband, and I have to say, Dr. Brennan was truly my favorite! I really enjoyed working with him and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to know him. May God be a source of comfort to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Joanne Bruni
July 11, 2007
It was truly an honor and pleasure to have worked with Dr. Brennan for almost thirty years in the Duquesne University Reading Clinic. He was a remarkable human being. He integrated the core values of excellence, service, integrity, diversity and compassion into his professional and personal life. He treated everyone he met with respect and dignity. I was blessed to have had such an exceptional role model in my life. Thanks Dr. B
June Henry
July 11, 2007
I was a graduate student at Duquesne University. Dr. Brennan was my advisor and taught most of my classes. I worked extremely hard for him and, in return, he always thought of me when districts would inquire about prospective candidates for reading specialist positions.
Dr. Brennan was dedicated and always respected. I will truly miss him.
george gordon
July 9, 2007
Mary Ellen,
I was on vacation when I heard of your lose. I wanted so bad to come back and visit Doc just one more time. His help and guidance was greatly appreciated when I was President of the Orpheus. But more than that, Doc was a great man. He will always be loved and respected. Mary Ellen, I can not tell you how sadden we are. Dr. Brennan will surely be missed.
frank mastermonico
July 8, 2007
Terrie, my condolences to you and your family.
Judy Sigal
July 7, 2007
To the Brennan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a special man that made a huge difference in my life and the lives of so many others. I remember someone telling me that I should go and speak with him about getting my Reading Specialist certificate. I took their advice and by the time I left his office, I was registered for classes that started the next day. He had a knack for making his students work harder than they ever thought they could. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on by all of the students who continue to benefit from his expertise.
Brandy Thiry, LPN
July 6, 2007
Mrs. Brennan and Family,
Although I only spent a few short months working by your Husband's side, I wanted to let you know it was not only an honor but a privilege to work with him. Please accept my deepest sympathies in this most toughest of times. May God Bless You Now And Always!
Gina Piel
July 6, 2007
I extend my sympanthies to your family. Dr. Brennan was my favorite professor in the Graduate Elementary Education program at Duquesne University. His lectures were always interesting and he taught me so much. I received all A's, except in his class I earned a B and it made me realize I don't know everything and gave me the motivation to learn more.
Taylor Sherwin
July 5, 2007
Papa I will always remember you because you were so great to me no matter what. There are so many reasons that you made me feel good like doing something as little as smiling at me and saying hello everytime you say me. Thank you for so many great years!
Orysia Hladio
July 5, 2007
Dear Mrs. Brennan and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, son, father, grandfather and brother. He truly was a good person and a fountain of knowledge. Dr. Brennan taught and guided his students to use the best methods of reading instruction for all age groups. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Robert Keys
July 5, 2007
To the family of Dr. Brennan: Although I'm sure your hearts are heavy, know that Dr. Brennan's legacy will live within his students. I will remember him as a kind and decent man who was fully dedicated to education. In 1992 I enrolled in a Reading grad course taught by Dr. Brennan. Believe me when I say, he made a difference. Dr. Brennan was truly a good man. I'm sincerely sorry for your loss.
Thomas Dougherty
July 5, 2007
Dr. Brennan told me to take my Masters, "its only a few credits more" instead of just the minimum of twenty-four, for certification. I followed his advice and ended up with a thirty-three year career in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Joe Brennan was a excellent teacher and advisor. I will remember him in my prayers.
John & Carole O'Connor
July 4, 2007
Dearest Marie & Mrs Brennen;
Our Prayers are with You in Your time of sorrow.
Love,God Bless You All,
John & Carole O'Connor
Joel Mandel
July 4, 2007
I became a graduate student at Duquesne in 1986-87 when I decided to switch careers from industry to education.Dr. Brennan was my adviser and provided me with excellent advice. I really enjoyed the courses he taught and after 20 years as an elementary teacher in Florida I still apply daily the knowledge that he provided .Dr. Brennan had a great influence on me and my classmates from those days and in that way he still lives on through our interactions with our students. Dr. Brennan will be missed. I still remember that I told him I wanted to substitute teach while doing my coursework and he tried to dissuade me from that plan because he thought that unruly students might spoil my taste for teaching.He was wrong about that but he was right about everything else. Joel Mandel, Delray Beach, Florida
Herman Lienemann
July 4, 2007
We will always remember the many good times and good friends at the Orpheus Singing Society because of Dr. Joe's outstanding leadership of the club for so many years.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary Ellen, Marie and the family.
Herman & Rita Lienemann
Janet Farkosh
July 4, 2007
My most profound sympathy and condolences to Marie and the entire family.
Kathy Murray
July 4, 2007
Dear Family of Dr. Joseph T. Brennan,
I remember Dr. Brennan when he was a professor at Duquesne University. His mission was to bring literacy to everyone. He was a very kind person. May your memories comfort you during your grief.
Mr. & Mrs. John Olander Jr.
July 4, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mark Ridge
July 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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