Bruce Brennan

Deceased Name: Bruce Brennan
Bruce Brennan, 83, beloved husband of Kathleen, father to Sean (Melissa) and Casey (Fehmida), died early on Thursday morning, February 27, at Shadyside Hospital from respiratory complications.
He was born to William Chadwick and Elizabeth BRENNAN on January 14, 1942, originally living in Orange, NJ. He showed his leadership qualities early, receiving his Eagle Scout award as a teen. He was a graduate of West Orange High School and earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, as well as an M.B.A. from the University of Akron.
Bruce started his career with PPG Industries at the Barberton, OH, plant. It was a fulfilling career that lasted 37 years and covered a variety of leadership roles and businesses. Most importantly, he met Kathleen in Akron, OH, and started off a marriage of 58 eventful years. The births of their sons Sean and Casey soon followed and the family moved to Pittsburgh where PPG is headquartered.
Bruce became interested in physical fitness and the family soon followed suit. As a family, they ran the Great Race multiple times and in 1985 Bruce ran the inaugural Pittsburgh marathon. He rode with his brother Paul in Cycle Oregon, while Bruce's younger brother, David, took him on bike rides through the golden hills of San Jose, CA. Bruce also took the family on ski vacations in the Northeast and Western US.
One treasured highlight in Bruce's life was a six year stint in Paris, France, for PPG. It was an amazing time of growth as Bruce relearned his high school French. Bruce and Kathy enjoyed the breadth of French cuisine, history and culture. For years after, Bruce continued to speak French to many people, whether they understood it or not!
Returning to Pittsburgh, he worked a few more years, retiring in 2000. In retirement he was an active member at Oakmont Country Club, playing golf and hosting friends and family. Several times Bruce came close to discovering the secret of golf! Bruce and Kathy continued to travel and host international visitors. Winters were spent in Naples, FL, where Bruce liked playing bridge and golf and connecting with new friends. He was proud of his achievement as a Bridge Life Master, a level reached after thousands of hands. In his later years, he also made a study of opera and took a great liking to jazz.
Bruce was a bon vivant and wine aficionado who loved fast cars and lived a life of commitment to family, friends and closely-held values. He was known as a person of strong beliefs, highly focused and interested in learning. He will be remembered fondly for his optimism, generosity, analytical mind, and friendly nature.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Planned Parenthood, the Phipps Conservatory or the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)
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