Michael J. Brennan

Michael J. "Kid" Brennan , 72, Girardville, passed away peacefully Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, East, Pottsville, with his family at his side.

Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late John A. and Margaret V. Purcell Brennan.  He had been employed as a senior parts inspector for Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Ct. for 35 years before retiring.

He was a 1969 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School.

Michael was a devoted son, great brother, good cousin but most of all a true friend.

Michael supported our parents all their lives; financially, spiritually and physically by being present for them. He traveled with my parentstaking them to Ireland, to Italy to see the Vatican and to see the Pope. They went to Memphis to see Graceland and New York to see Sinatra. He was present in their time, for them.

"Kid," on the other hand was a hooligan, an actor, our dad would say, "don't look for trouble it will find you soon enough." It always did find Kid Brennan. Kid always managed to keep the craziness from our parents until he put the "Thing" in the creek. Ut Oh!

Mike Brennan , became into being, when he left home and went to Connecticut. The hardest working  member of Teamsters 1150 at Sikorsky Aircraft , Stratford, Connecticut. Rolled out the Black Hawks in 1979 and was senior parts inspector for all helicopters made during his time at Sikorsky.

Michael had three topics in his life which he was an expert on , and not to be challenged. His Faith, his Music and being an Irishman.

He loved the teaching and philosophy of Bishop Fulton J.Sheen . He was able to quote him verbatim. Life of Christ was his favorite book. He would never pass it up in old bookstore looking for copies to give people!

Music was Michael's forte!  Name the song, group, the band or the artist and he could go on and on all about them. He saw all the greats and legends, from Sinatra to Aretha to McCarthy to Dylan to Streisand. His all time favorite and his musical genius, was Brian Wilson! He could have paid to go to Harvard for the money he spent on concert tickets! Music was his life always, he could put a song to any life experience to share with you, if you were in need, he had a song or prayer to help you through your heartache.

Now being Irish is tricky, for Michael it just wasn't about being Notre Dame's #1 fan , it was writing letters to every coach from Parseghian to Kelly telling them how to improve their game and getting responses; taking every family member to ND to see a game; Love of the Dome not the Field was his motto and always wear Blessed Mother blue to games!

It was being of Irish descent, and taking up the cause, knowing all about Ireland and the " troubles" and supporting those who struggled to set Ireland free was Michael's real meaning of his Irish legacy. He traveled to Ireland several times not to the scenic areas, but always to the North where the true history of Ireland wanting to be free was to be learned. He just bummed around talking to anyone who would tell him about the "Troubles" and if they knew someone from that time period! He visited cemeteries there and paid his respects to the ones who died for the cause. tiocfaidh ár lá . Bobby Sands last quote in his diary, smuggled out of Maze Prison .

Our brother, Michael was a wonderful man, he would give you his last dollar , and the shirt off his back to help you! Most importantly, he was a true friend, he shared his time with all just by listening to you, loss art these days! We will miss you, we loved you, and we will remember Michael, Kid, and Mike for the unique man you were, and if he were here today, he would say keep the faith, God only knows the plan and I wish all of you "Love and Mercy"

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Rev. Edmund J. Brennan.

Michael is survived by his brother John Brennan, Allentown; his four sisters: Mary Eleanor Brennan, Bethlehem, Margaret Anne wife of Robert Buchanan, Easton, Patricia Brennan and Rose Marie Smallwood both of Girardville; his nieces and nephews: Emily Anne (Mark) Kasmark, Jarrett ( Alexa ) Buchanan, Thomas Smallwood and Caroline Buchanan; also survived by great nephews Teddy, Will, Connor, Colby and several cousins.

A viewing will be held at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, on Monday, July 1st from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Ann's Catholic Church, Frackville. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Michael's name, be made to either to the Girardville Basketball Association at PO Box 136 Girardville, PA 17935 or to the Memorial Fund of St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.