H. Michael Brenner

The Honorable H. Michael Brenner, a retired Orange County Superior Court Judge, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84 on December 29, 2024. Mike was born to Gus and Ruth Brenner on August 17, 1940, in San Diego and grew up in San Gabriel, CA. He was awarded the honor of Eagle Scout in 1954. Mike graduated from San Gabriel High School in 1958 and went on to UCLA, becoming a member of the Phi Psi fraternity and earning a BA in Accounting in 1963 and a Juris Doctorate in 1966. He married the love of his life, Molly, in 1967. They raised three children in Villa Park, CA before settling in Corona Del Mar, CA.
Early in his life, Mike showed his strong work ethic by obtaining his first job at age 15 at a hardware store. A true Renaissance man, he worked myriad jobs – as a teamster for UPS, a groundskeeper, and even a social worker. After law school, Mike started his legal career in private practice, and he and his partner also dabbled in Italian car imports. Always ahead of his time, Mike also had a short-lived career as a real estate flipper in Southern California, where he and Molly purchased and renovated properties for resale. These jobs shaped his perspective on life and, later, his career in public service. With an unwavering moral compass, Mike finally found his true passion in public service and the pursuit of justice when he served as a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney for 18 years. He concluded his career serving the Orange County community as a judge for 30 years, where he demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, wisdom, and compassion.
Mike will be remembered for his zest for life, joyful spirit, and gift of gab. Always ready with a witty remark, he was often heard quoting poems and scripture, and became known for his "Brennerisms," short proverbs Mike often penned himself. His favorite of these, "Life is Good," was always delivered with a big grin and an enthusiastic thumbs up. Mike's favorite activities were taking his family out for ice cream, traveling with Molly, and cycling and hiking with old friends. He participated in many faith based organizations, including as a knight in the Order of Malta, through which Mike and Molly took seven pilgrimages to Lourdes, France in service to the sick and disabled. He was also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, through which he made two pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Mike devoted countless hours helping the Norbertines build St. Michael's Abbey Monastery in Silverado Canyon. Mike's enduring legacy of public service, good works, and joy for life will be cherished by his family, friends, and those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. True to his spirit, even as Alzheimer's shut his body down, Mike always had a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Mike is survived by his wife Molly Griswold Brenner; sister Suzanne Richardson; children Nicole (Joel) Wine, Ted (Katie) Brenner, and Amy (Doug) Lindgren; and 10 grandchildren.
Please join the Brenners at a Rosary Vigil on Thursday, January 23rd at 6:00 pm at St. John Vianney Church, 314 Marine Ave, Balboa Island, CA to share stories and prayers for Mike. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 24th at 10:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, 2046 Mar Vista Dr, Newport Beach, CA with a reception immediately following until 1:30 pm. A private burial will be held at St. Michael's Abbey.
Although unnecessary, for planning purposes please consider RSVPing to mikebrennercelebration@gmail.com. If you remember a Brennerism or funny quote of Mike's please include it in your RSVP.
In lieu of flowers, Mike's family suggests to those wishing to honor him that they send a donation to The Maria and Gabriel Ferrucci Retired Priest Endowment Fund C/O Orange Catholic Foundation, 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840 to the Orange County Alzheimer's Association at https://alzoc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general-donation