Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory

611 Robert Smalls Parkway

Beaufort, South Carolina

John Brennan Obituary

John E. Brennan CHARLESTON - John E. Brennan, "Wings", 84, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut on June 23, 1929 to John and Clara Brennan, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Emma Fox Hanrahan. He graduated from Dobbs Ferry High School and then spent a year as a postgraduate at North Tarrytown High School, where he met and proposed to Nancy Bushel, his loving wife of sixty-one years. John joined the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1950 and, after serving in the Korean War, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Korean Service and Campaign Medals. During his early years in the Marine Corps, he served on the Rifle and Pistol Team, where he maintained an Expert status, served sea duty on the USS Newport News, and was a Drill Instructor for the Naval Aviation Officer Candidates in Pensacola, Florida. He served in the Vietnam War, where he ran the Sniper School and received the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals and the Naval Commendation Medal with Combat "V". Upon returning from the war, he spent the rest of his career at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. At Parris Island, he served a second tour as a Drill Instructor and then was selected and promoted to Warrant Officer, after which he was best known as the Range Officer for "Charlie" line on the Rifle Range. In September 1969, he was designated a Marine Gunner (one of a chosen few!), and in September 1974, he retired with 24 years of honorable service as a CWO3. Although retired, he lived by the motto, "Once a Marine, always a Marine!" Semper Fi! But, John was not finished. In his second career, he developed, implemented and managed security programs for numerous residential plantations in Beaufort and Hilton Head, SC. While working in his security roles, he attained his Associate's degree in Criminal Justice and went on to study at Armstrong University in Savannah, GA. Even after John retired the second time, he provided consultation services to the plantations for security related issues. From his early years, when he was catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers farm team, he always loved sports and officiated at any chance. He served as the President of the Beaufort Officials Association for many years and on the High School Leagues for baseball/softball and volleyball and was recognized for years of loyal service and his devotion to duty. After spending almost 40 years in Beaufort, John and Nancy made their home in Charleston in 2004, where John continued his civic duties by serving as a Legacy Speaker on Parris Island, as the Vice President of his homeowner's association and as a poll manager for many years. John is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife, Nancy B. Brennan of Charleston, SC; his daughters, Sharon Brennan (Michael Marshall) of Summerville, SC, Colleen Baxter (Robert) of Goose Creek, Laurie Harle (Ian) of Charleston, SC; and his son, Dannie Brennan (Sally) of Charleston, SC. He is predeceased by a daughter, Cathy Mattox (Scott) of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Scottie Mattox, Christie Mattox, John Mattox, Brennan Baxter, Houston Baxter and Daniel Brennan. John dearly loved his family, and the memories of him as a husband, father and grandfather will be cherished forever. He loved people and never met a stranger. Special thanks are extended to friends and caregivers for the support they have given. The family will welcome friends and relatives for the visitation at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2014, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort, SC, followed by the burial with full military honors at the Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Veteran's Victory House at 2461 Sidneys Road, Walterboro, SC 29488. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomebeaufortsc.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Brennan

Not sure what to say?





SSgt Thomas Matteo

February 12, 2021

I was very fortunate to know Gunner Brennan , while his NCOIC on Charlie Line at PISC in 1967, after returning from my first tour in Vietnam.
John was an excellent mentor and Marine. Recently I obtained a complete copy of my SRB and found his performance write ups, on me.
In 1968 while back in Vietnam I saw John at Division, and he asked me to come to his Sniper Unit. I refused only because, I had obligations to my assigned Plt. In 2/1.

John will be remembered by all, as a “Great Man “. RIP my Dear Friend!

SSgt. Tom Matteo

April 28, 2014

My fellow Marine brother, your guidance and direction throughout our friendship will be deeply missed. I will always be in gratitude to you for being the sincere friend, that anyone could have.
Rest.now Gunner, you have trained you Marines well!
I plan on visiting you at your resting place this November 2014.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and Nancy.
Miss you already buddy!

Thomas Matteo

April 28, 2014

John E Brennan, was a wonderful human being to his Marines. I had the Honor to serve with him in 1967 On Charlie Line as a Weapons Training Instructor. John at once started molding me into an effective and resourceful Sergeant E-5 on his line.
When I went to play football at Quantico he always kept in touch giving me guidance. When I returned to Vietnam in 1968 I saw John at 1st Marine Division Headquarters, and he tried to get me to join his pride and joy, Sniper School.
John will always be remembered by me, as a great Marine. I will surely miss our life long conversations. Bye my friend, I miss you. SSgt Tom Stormy Matteo. [email protected]

paul sweet

March 17, 2014

On behalf of the purple heart chapter # 1948 in beaufort I would like to send our prayers for you and the family

March 14, 2014

So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort grant you peace at this difficult time.

John LaDue

March 8, 2014

My condolences to John's family and friends. In the early days of organized men's and women's softball, and volleyball on HHI, back in the early 70's, John was the go to guy for officials.

Lynne Wiles

March 4, 2014

The Brennan Family;
So sorry to learn of John's passing. Rodger my husband and I knew John and admired him. Rodger was in the Marine Corp with him and I new him from softball and Guntown. Prayers to you and may God Grace you during this time of transition.

RC Foster

March 3, 2014

Nancy, we just heard of your families loss of a great man. He was loved by all the employees here at PostNet. He will be greatly missed. If there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call.

March 2, 2014

Nancy and family
My prayers go out to all of you Addie Schaad

Rod Bushel

February 23, 2014

Nancy- Joan and I, Mom and our family are so sad hear that you and your family lost Wings. He was a true American hero who devoted his life to his country,his beautiful wife, and his family. 61 years! Wow! You are all in our prayers.

February 21, 2014

Nancy, it's been a long, long, time ago. But I Marianne Zaicek Malone lived at 154 Deyester Street when Wings was courting you. I was the youngest child of my family, I remember him as being so outgoing and friendly with the neighborhood children which I was, I thought you two were awesome for each other, you so friendly and he so outgoing. I was so happy for you both. I was born in 1943 so do the math, I don't know how old I was then, but I did know you were a great couple. I'm so happy you had so many happy years together. I now live in Sarasota, Fl. with my husband, Tom Malone. What a wonderful man and a great wife.

February 21, 2014

Dear Nancy and Family, So sorry about Wings, I have to say he was the best dancer around, remember "Dancing on the Green". You and your family are in my prayers. Ann Quain Maccabee

Mike ONeill USMC(ret)

February 21, 2014

Irish eyes are proud for all of us who were honored to know and serve with Jack whether on Charlie range, the basketball court, or on security duty. A life well lived. Semper Fi Mac.

Robbie Robertson

February 21, 2014

A "Marine's Marine" whose cheerful, positive outlook will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will live in my memory with the familiar command, "Batter UP!"

Ray Hammond

February 21, 2014

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers .

Rodney & Marie Howard

February 21, 2014

God Bless to the Brennan and Mattox family.

Kem Priebe

February 21, 2014

My heart goes out to you all.
Hang on to the beautiful memories as they will help ease the pain in time.
In my prayers & thoughts. God Bless,
Kem Marion Priebe

Patrick McDonald

February 20, 2014

The passing of this great Gentleman will be felt by all who ever met him.

February 20, 2014

Semper Fi Gunner. "As one Marine to another, you set the example for all Marines to follow!!!" As you are checking posts at the Pearly Gates in Heaven and give all the fellow Marines a big OOORAAH! Our deepest sympathies to all the Family!! Sgtmaj Chuck and Janie Altizer, USMC (Ret) 57-86

Doreen Forner

February 20, 2014

Coleen, We're so sorry for the loss of your Dad. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time. Much love to you and your family.

S. Washington

February 20, 2014

My deepest sympathy. May the God of all comfort be with the family at this time of sorrow.

Rick Barnhill

February 20, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of their loss. As one soldier to another. You will be missed by all that knew you..So glad to have been able to call you friend.Semper Fi.

February 20, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about a great friend that I met many,many years ago. It was on Parris Island and I am not sure of the first time but when I returned he was on "CHARLIE LINE".I just visited a former Marine at the Victory House a few weeks ago and if I would have known john was there I would have visited him. Us OLD guy's always called him "GUNNER" as he deserved to be called that. The last time I saw him was at the dump site on Castle-Rock and Grober hill road and that was a long time ago so my rememberance of him will be then as he was the same person I met years ago. His saying "ONCE A MARINE,ALWAYS A MARINE" is still us old timers way of life. I would like for the family to accept my condolence and to "GUNNER" Semper-Fi, DO or DIE" Robert E. Williams
SgtMaj,USMC, (RET)
Beaufort S.C.

February 20, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Wings passing. He was a great guy and a wonderful man to know. My deepest sympathy to you, Nan, and your family. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Nancy Horne-Lucas

February 20, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. Mr. Brennan was such a good man and he always had a kind word and a big hug for me whenever I saw him and Mrs. Brennan. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Catherine Dennis

February 20, 2014

My deepest sympathy to you and all the family in your loss of "WINGS". He was a great guy and I'm sure will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Bob Marion

February 20, 2014

Never met a stranger is right. He was a great man to me, if he saw me somewhere is wasn't just going to be a "hi" it was going to be a conversation. I grew up with Brennans all around me and counted them as great friends just as my entire family did. My late father, Red Marion, a fellow Marine, thought the world of Mr. Brennan as well.

DRH

February 20, 2014

Sir,thank you for your service to your country and your community. May you find peace and comfort with the Lord !

French's

February 19, 2014

Laurie and Ian , We are so sorry to hear of your recent loss. We just want y'all to know that we love y'all very much and that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Mr. Brennan and his son-in-law Scott Mattox Christmas 2010

February 19, 2014

Mr. Brennan with his granddaughter Christie Mattox

February 19, 2014

Christmas with the Brennans 2011

Cecile Landrum

February 19, 2014

Cecile Landrum

February 19, 2014

Mr. Brennan came into my life 7 years ago and always opened his arms and heart to me. I enjoyed many Christmas holidays at the Brennans, and as the newest member of their family, he made me feel like one of his own children. He dearly referred to me as "Cecil" and would sing the Simon & Garfunkel song "Oh Cecilia" to me whenever we visited. I will miss Mr. Brennan and his smile! My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Brennan and the family during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Make a Donation
in John Brennan's name

Memorial Events
for John Brennan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory

611 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29906

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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