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Steve Brennan Obituary
Stephen Frank Brennan passed away on June 3rd at his home in Reno, NV. His family surrounded Steve and he fought hard to the very end. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, and friend to so many. He had several nicknames from those who knew him: Dad, Stever, Stevo, Stevie, and Papa Bear. "The Stever" had an amazing ability with people. He could connect, touch your heart, encourage, inspire, or make you feel his love in an instant. Papa Bear will be remembered for his tremendous enthusiasm and energy that he brought to every aspect of his life.
Stevie grew up in Orange County, CA. The Kraemer/Brennan family raised him with love. They taught him the importance of family, the value of hard work, and living life to the fullest. He went to Mater Dei High School where he was a football star, helping the Monarchs win the CIF Championship his senior year. He was awarded a scholarship to San Jose State University. At SJSU he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and formed life long friendships with many he encountered during his time there. Most importantly during that time he met his best friend, love of his life, and now wife of 43 years, Beth Nicolai.
Steve and Beth gave everything they had raising their four kids and building a network of friends that stretched from coast to coast and beyond. The "South Bay" group of friends formed when they were young and newly married. The Christmas Parties and St. Patrick's Day Fiesta's were the stuff of legend. Stevo loved his time with the "Donner Party" crew, a special group of people from the Peninsula that he's loved for years and years. His family time at Grandma Bev's beach house and Kraemer Firecracker Opens was dearest to his heart. Relationships to Stevie were so important. It was common for Steve's business relationships to turn into meaningful friendships. Dad has people that love him in every city and state. Steve also had tremendous respect for people of service, military, police, fire, etc. Steve and Beth's own commitment to serving and supporting "The Ronald McDonald House" has lasted over 30 years and touched many lives in need of love and support. The Stever was a giver in every sense of the word.
Words cannot express the sadness felt far and wide by his passing. This man was magic. The effort he extended for family and friends was unprecedented. Steve's love of the "Final, Final" was his way of extending the fun, and getting the most out of the moment. We will miss his big smile, big hugs, and big personality that energized every setting he walked into. Thank you for teaching us how to love, laugh, and live. You truly are one of a kind. We love you bigger than the sky!
There will be a Celebration of his Life Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 am at Our Lady Of The Snows Catholic Church. Donations on Steve's behalf can be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Reno, NV.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steve Brennan
Cathy Perkins
June 3, 2019
Such a bitter/sweet picture. I sure miss his wonderful smile and personality. My son was named after him so he will always be remembered.
Cherie Donahue
July 4, 2014
Our hearts go out to Steve's family at his loss. We knew you through the wonderful hospitality you all showed us when we San Jose State fans came up for the Reno games. You were all so generous and welcoming. God bless.
Cherie and Dave Donahue,
Jim Ferryman
June 25, 2014
Beth and family,
Words can't describe the loss that we all feel in losing Steve. He was one of the biggest influences in my life. His battle with cancer and refusal to give into it was inspiring to us all. Steve wasn't afraid of dying he just wanted to be with his family for eternity.
We will certainly miss Steve throwing confetti in the skybox at SJS after every score and having a final final later that night. I love you buddy!
Jim and Mary Ferryman & family
Leanne Smith
June 24, 2014
The Brennan Family, I feel fortunate to have known Steve, his passion and love for life will truly be missed. He was a great friend and colleague, I always looked forward to sharing a 'final final' together. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know Steve is smiling down as an angel in heaven.
Matt Jankowski
June 22, 2014
Aunt Beth,Brady,Brent,Brad,Pat & families; I just learned of "Uncle Stevie's" passing today after talking to Bill. I am so sorry for your loss; my prayers go out to you all and even though Steve is beyond our site I know he will always be alive in your hearts. Words can't express what a great guy Steve was; I barely knew him but he always made me feel more than welcome and he made EVERYONE laugh. May God Bless Steve in heaven and bring you all peace & comfort. Love Matt (Janko).
Alex Chavarria
June 16, 2014
Thank you for leaving a legacy to the rest of us to follow, I'm a better man because of it brother Brennan- Theta Chi for life
deb harpster
June 14, 2014
dear beth and family,
"that smile"...that steve brennan smile...and i know that you gave him the biggest reason to smile! i am so sorry to hear of his passing and your loss. peace be with you.
love,
deb (weinper) harpster
Mike Perdzock
June 13, 2014
I've been coming to the Reno House Tournament for many years but unfortunately could not make it to the event this year. The thing that always has stuck out to me about Steve and the Brennan family is how close knit they are and how much they truly enjoy being around each other. I'm very glad I got to spend some extra time with Steve and Beth at last year's event while visiting them at their home. I will truly miss Steve.
Frank and Sue Bisceglia
June 13, 2014
Dear Beth and Family......please accept our prayers that are coming your way. We all met at SJSU and have such fun memories of those younger days. We will hang onto those memories of you and Steve and smile. God Bless. Frank and Sue Bisceglia
cathy perkins
June 13, 2014
I was so sorry I could not attend the service,but my spirit was there. I'm happy to say I was his "south bay" friend. My 20's and 30's would not had been the same without him. Thanks you Brennan's for all my wonderful memories.
June 12, 2014
Dear Beth and Family....please accept the heartfelt prayers we are sending your way. We all met at SJSU and each shared some special times in those younger days. We will smile when we think of Steve and Beth and the wonderful life they had together. God Bless.....Frank and Sue Bisceglia
El Supremo 2003
Jim & Patrick Kruse
June 11, 2014
Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to all of our friends in the Brennan family.
Stephen Siu
June 10, 2014
Celia & I would like to offer our deepest condolences to Beth and the rest of the family. He was more than just a friend, but someone who really cared. Cared about the other person, more than himself. He was a great mentor to me in my career.
Marty Mitchell
June 10, 2014
Steve, we will miss you. Glad I got to see you last month. A class act and great fraternity brother. Marty Mitchell
Helene Waxman
June 10, 2014
Dear Brennans, my heartfelt condolences to all of you. He will be sorely missed as he influenced so many lives everywhere he went.
Chris and Mike Pack
June 10, 2014
Our love and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Steve's love and passion for life and his family was a beacon for all of us. It has been a great honor and joy to have known him....we are all better from Steve having touched our lives. Thank you Stevo. You live in our hearts always.
brian lundy
June 9, 2014
In so many ways I looked up to Mr.Brennan. He was a father figure to me and I learned a great deal from him. He will truly be missed and my heart hurts from his loss but also goes out to the super strong Brennan family. If it wasn't for the Brennans I would not know how to love, give, and live life to the fullest!!
Brooke Biagi O'Donnell
June 9, 2014
Steve led by example the importance of family and unconditional love. Values that all of us who have had the pleasure to have known him instill in our own families. A legacy passed on through love. You will be missed.
Roselyn Morgan Setran
June 9, 2014
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. One of my favorite High School memories was that great guy with the beautiful smile. God Bless the Brennan Family!
Barbara SEACREST
June 9, 2014
Dear Beth, Brady, Brent, Brad and Patrick..what a beautiful tribute to a wonderful husband and father and friend! We will always remember when your family came in to our lives at the ASU dorm...where we seemed to be instantly bonded with our girls!!
Such an amazing man who touched so many people...all our love to all of you! Love, Barbara and David
June 9, 2014
We knew Steve for many years and one word comes to mind---he was a leader. We worked closely with him in the CHIRO club at St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana. We have many fond memories. Our love to the family
Molly And Bill Marquard
Melissa (Montoya) Durkee
June 9, 2014
Brennan Family,
Our thoughts are with you all during this time. Although our families crossed paths so long ago at St. Pius, I have great memories of him.
June 9, 2014
Beth, My sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of Steve. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Carol Garvy
June 9, 2014
Dear Beth and Family,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers so much. Steve was a great guy with a tremendous family. May he live on in your hearts and know that we will miss him.
Donna Knezevich
June 9, 2014
I remember meeting Steve and Beth when I first moved to Emerald Hills. Both he and Beth made us feel so welcome as new neighbors. We had many years of laughter and great moments of rivalry between USC and UCLA. I have always admired both Steve and Beth, because they had a great friendship and deep love for each other, their children and friends. My deepest sympathy to Beth and her children and I am sure he will be missed.
Gerri Beasley
June 9, 2014
Dear Brennan Family,
We are saddened to hear about Steve's passing.
Can't help but remember the Lancer years and his influence on both students and parents during that time.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bill and Gerri Beasley and Family
Melody Lick-Johnson
June 9, 2014
Dearest Brennans: The obit so perfectly captured the wonderful person that was Steve. Some of my happiest memories of high school days are of my friendship and times spent laughing and having fun with him. The years don't t diminish memories of people so special. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace and may he and your family be held in the arms of our Lord.
Jim and Sheila Brown
June 9, 2014
Dear Beth and family,
Sheila and I are deeply saddened to hear of Steve's passing. I have known Steve for over 30 years, when he first went to work for the Machinist Union Pension Fund in St. Louis.
I have shared many good times with Steve at the "House Tournaments", and his many trips to St. Louis.
I have never known a more generous and thoughtful person as Steve.
He is sorely missed by all who have been touched by his magic personality.
It was an honor to be his friend.
May God bless You and your family in this time of sorrow.
kathryn garrity
June 9, 2014
Dear Lord accept this beautiful soul into your loving arms..He will be missed by us on earth.He fought the good fight.
kathryn garrity
June 9, 2014
Dear Brennan family.My deepest sympathy and regrets to the one of a kind man.As far asI am concerned you all are very special people and I can say I am proud to be a loyal , accepted friend...Prayers and special thoughts on this difficult day!!!!
Nan Strader
June 9, 2014
Dearest Brennan family, I don't believe there was ever a time in my life that I didn't know and love all of you. We are with you all in heart, prayers and spirit and will always remember that Brennan smile, spirit, laughter and love.
Leighton Strader
June 9, 2014
Steve -
You filled such a meaningful void in many peoples lives with your infectious and positive exuberance. We send our heart-felt prayers to your beautiful Beth and to your entire family.
Nan and Leighton
Celia Esparza
June 9, 2014
Dear Brennan Family, my love and prayers go out to you all, God has a very special person with him now. My Husband Gerry, son Gerald Jr and I had the privilege of knowing Steve for over 20 years, please know what a positive influence the whole Brennan family has had on us all. Our prayers and love go out to you all during this time. Love the Esparza Family.
Gerry is in Reno for the tournament and will be there I just wanted to send my love.
June 9, 2014
The world lost a great deal of positive energy. A one of a kind, fun, thoughtful, warm friend. I'm honored to have known him and his fantastic bride. He will be truly missed by many. John Worthing
Sam Kennedy
June 9, 2014
Beth and Family:
I am so, so sorry for your lose. I first met Steve when my Dad, Ray Kennedy, started bringing me to the RMHC events as far back as San Francisco. After I met him, Steve became someone I truly admired and respected. I can honestly say I am a better person having known Steve Brennan. May God bless you Beth, Brent, Brad, Brady, Patrick and all the rest of the family. Steve will NEVER be forgotten, especially by the Kennedy family here in Houston, Texas.
RoseMarie Lucas-Traywick
June 9, 2014
Deepest Sympathies to the Brennan Family, Steve will be sadly missed by his INTECH Family. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Michele Morgan
June 8, 2014
To the Brennan family - what a beautiful tribute to Steve. As part of the Mater Dei Morgans, I have known the Brennan family for years. Always loved seeing Steve with his beautiful smile and kind heart. He will be missed! Love and prayers. Michele
June 8, 2014
My sincere condolences - Steve was an extraordinary man and loved by so many. Warmly, Adrienne Gaines
Billy Wade
June 8, 2014
Steve made everyone around him feel like they were one of his best friends. One of the nicest people I have ever know. Will miss you.
Patty Walsh Greene
June 8, 2014
Our Sincere condolences--He was one of the good guys!!!
June 6, 2014
To the Brennan Family I wanted to say that this description of the Stever was totally on the mark and then some. As a transfer student to SJS in Fall 67 I met Lumpy Ferryman and the Stever during Rush and have been Best friends with them for 40 + years. I can only say that I was the most fortunate guy in the world to know the Stever for all time. Love to Beth and family as we end this chapter in our lives and take up the Call Go Spartans until we all meet in the Spartan Stadium in the sky. Eternal Love , Ron Madd Dawwgge Flenner.
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