Submitted by: Dan Rich
Robert E. Brennan
South Bend Tribune 8/4/2006
Robert E. Brennan, 88, of Mishawaka, Indiana, died July 31, 2006, in the Bremen Health Care Center. Bob was born on May 1, 1918, in South Bend, Indiana, the son of William and Rhoda (Williams) Brennan, and had resided there all his life. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Central High School in 1936.
On August 23, 1941, he married Geraldine "Gerry" Niebauer. They were married 55 years before she passed away on April 30, 1997. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Bernard Brennan. Bob is survived by his two sons, Patrick (Linda) Brennan of Wakarusa, Ind., and Thomas Brennan of San Francisco, Calif.; two daughters, Sue (David) Light of Germantown, Md., and Jill (Chris) Dale of Santa Barbara, Calif.; six grandchildren, Chris (Catherine) Brennan of Atlanta, Ga., Lisa (Scott) Ashbury, Lori (Steve) Huddleston and Julie (Shawn) Wagner, all of Granger, Ind., Charlie Adams and Heather Light, both of Germantown, Md.; a brother, James (Carol) Brennan of Mishawaka, IN. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, with whom he enjoyed spending a lot of time.
Bob owned Brennan Brothers Wholesale Jewelry in downtown South Bend with his brother, Bernie. Together they ran the business for over 40 years. He was an active member of St. Vincent DePaul and served on the board of directors for a number of years. Bob loved the game of golf, and enjoyed many trips around the country. His favorite place to play was Elbel golf course in South Bend. Bob's other passion was Notre Dame football and Chicago Cubs baseball. He and Gerry enjoyed spending time with friends, attending the home football games and watching the Cubs play.
Some of our greatest memories of Bob's life were summer barbecues by the pool on Battles Road, with his children and grandchildren, having fun swimming, playing volleyball and lots of croquet.
Bob was a wonderfully warm human being and a weaver of great stories. He was always there for his family, and the memories of him we will treasure forever.
Bob was cremated and a memorial service will follow at a later date this summer. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McGann Hay Funeral Home of South Bend.