Jeremiah C. "Jerry" "Tank" Brennan

  Jeremiah C.  Brennan, 89 of Pottsville, died peacefully Thursday at Lehigh Valley Hospital- Schuylkill East surrounded by his loving family.

  He was born on December 28, 1927, son of the late Joseph and Marguerite Rowan Brennan and was proud to have been raised in the Bunker Hill section of Pottsville. He was a 1945 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and attended the Ford School of Business. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corp in 1947.

  On May 29, 1954 he was married to his beloved Katherine “Kate” Kelly Brennan and she kept him on his toes for 44 years until her death in 1998.

  Jerry was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville and a lifetime member of the Good Intent Fire Company. He was a firm believer in civic responsibility and the importance of showing up. He served as an Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Pottsville and as an Officer and Trustee for the Good Intent. Nativity BVM High School and the Catholic War Veterans honored him for his service to the community, his work as a volunteer fireman and his commitment to veteran issues. He was a founding member, former President and Coach of Rotary Little League.

  He retired from the US Postal Service in 1990 after 44 years of employment. He spent the last 15 years of his career in Reading, PA where he made many good friends in Berks County.

  After retirement he was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to “wondrous places” including many trips to Ireland, the birthplace of his grandparents. His favorite journey always led him to Stone Harbor, NJ, the beach he loved and where he vacationed with generations of family and friends for over 50 years.

  He was a loyal Democrat and active in local politics. He was a strong advocate and supporter for youth sports programs, especially St. Pat’s CYO and Nativity and Pottsville High School athletics. Nothing gave him more joy then attending his grandchildren’s games and track meets.

  In addition to his wife he is also predeceased by his daughter Kelly Ann, 1956; son Kevin Paul in 2013; and siblings Paul, Marguerite Schoenfelder and Anastasia Dunnigan.

  He is survived by his children: Gerald and his companion Lesile Cappella, Brian and wife Colleen (Hart), Brigid and husband Michael McFadden, all of Pottsville, Megan, McMurray, PA, Erin and husband Vincent Matthews, New York, NY; daughter in law, Terry (Bettick), widow of Kevin, Pottsville: his beloved grandchildren:  Kelly Lombel, Joseph and Bridy Kate Brennan, Katherine and Lauren Brennan, Kathleen and Sean McFadden, Laura Carlson, Carolyn Keane, Dominick Cappella, and his loving nieces and nephews. 

  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Wednesday at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. A viewing will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday at St. Patrick Church. There will be no viewing from the funeral home or a viewing prior to mass. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions made to St. Patrick CYO 319 Mahantongo St. Pottsville, PA 17901 or Good Intent Fire Co. 7 N. 2nd St. Pottsville PA, 17901. Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.

  Please share your memories and condolences with the Brennan family by signing the guestbook at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com

  May the Road Rise Up to Meet You Dad. Your quick wit and wisdom will be remembered by all who loved you. Have Bag, Will Travel!