Herbert Brennan Obituary
Herb was born on September 7, 1945, in Elizabeth, NJ, to his late parents, Bill and Helena (Hinds) Brennan. He graduated from Hillside High School in 1963, where he excelled as a track team record holder and varsity baseball player.
In 1969, Herb married the love of his life, Carol, and in 1977, they moved to Gillette, NJ, where they proudly raised their family for 47 years.
Herb spent his career in the building trades and was a proud, lifetime member of Steamfitters Local Union No. 475, Warren, NJ, for 53 years. Upon his retirement, he and Carol began enjoying winter getaways to Key Colony Beach in the Florida Keys, where they created many cherished memories. Herb had a deep love for his family and was passionate about saltwater fishing, cheering on the New York Yankees and New York Giants, was an excellent golfer, and a classic 1965 Ford Mustang enthusiast. Herb proudly served in the United States Army National Guard from 1970 to 1977.
He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn, their daughter Shari Brennan, their son Matthew Brennan and his wife Andrea, as well as his brothers Bill Brennan and Jack Brennan (Janet). He also leaves behind three adored grandchildren: Gabrielle, Paul, and Peyton Brennan, as well as his niece Bonnie Brennan. Herb will be dearly missed by his extended family, including many cousins in New Jersey and Quebec, Canada.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff of Summit Health and Hackensack Meridian for their care and support over the last four years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, September 30th from 4:00-7:00 PM at Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial, 646 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 1st at 10:30 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 250 Bebout Ave, Stirling, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herb's memory to the American Heart Association by visiting https://www.heart.org/ and to the American Cancer Society by visiting https://www.cancer.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Lucille Schorr
September 29, 2024
I am so saddened to know that Herb lost his lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. He was one of a rare dying breed...a true Gentleman having moral strength, infinite kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor. His devotion to his precious wife Carol was always so very obvious and foremost in his thoughts and actions.
I will always remember one winter, as I was shoveling 2 feet of snow, Herbie was riding by, stopped, grabbed a shovel and ever so kindly helped me. Always the gentleman!
And as he was driving home from one of his fishing trips, he often dropped off the freshest, most delicious catch-of-the-day! What a treat from a selfless man.
Herb could not have been more thoughtful and giving. He shall be terribly missed.
I also find it ironic that his wake is being held 11 years to the day (Monday) that his best high school buddy, my husband, Bob, passed away.
My sincere condolences to you, Carol, Shari, Matt and your beautiful families that Herb was so proud of. God bless!
Mary Ann Hinds
September 28, 2024
Dear Carol,Billy,Jack and Family ,
Sharing in your sorrow and hoping you gain strength and courage to ease your pain. Wih deepest Sympathy.
Mary Ann Hinds and Paul André Harpin.
Québec Canada
American Heart Association
September 26, 2024
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Cass and Lillian Wodynski
September 26, 2024
We have shared many happy moments with Herb and Carolyn in the Florida Keys where we met during vacations. Herb shared the fish he caught so we had fish fry´s and fish tacos on the beach. May he rest with the Lord and catch the "big one"
Tight lines Herb!!
Sending condolences and prayers to Carolyn and family
Cass and Lillian Wodynski
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
646 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Make a Donation
in Herbert Brennan's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Herbert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Herbert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Herbert Brennan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
