Joseph Brennan
December 21, 1932 - October 14, 2008
Obituary
Joseph ‘Joe’ Brennan
City Councilman and former Mayor of the City of SeaTac Joe Brennan passed away in his home on October 14, 2008, surrounded by his devoted family. Joe was born in Chicago in 1932. He proudly served in the Navy as a radioman on the USS Brannon. While in the service, he met the love of his life at the Tacoma USO – Betty Geise. Joe and Betty married in 1954. Joe graduated from the University of Washington in 1960 with a BA in Business. His early career was in medical sales; he later became a Certified Dependency Counselor, working at Schick Shadel Hospital. Joe had a strong love for his community. His deep involvement included PTAs for Madrona Elementary, Chinook JH Golden Acorn Award, Tyee HS, and Madrona Community Schools. He spearheaded many functions including dances for Chinook JH for 13 years. He was also a member of the Christian Faith Center School Board. Joe was a volunteer District 24 firefighter and EMT 13 years, Fire Commissioner 11 yrs, and Chairman of the Board of Commissions 7 yrs. He loved driving the tiller of the ladder truck. He was a member of the original Highline Medic One Board, and of the Washington State Commissioners Association. Joe was a charter member of the SeaTac Incorporation Committee. He was elected to the first city council, and served from 1989 to present day. He held two terms each as Deputy Mayor and Mayor. He was a staunch supporter of the beautification and safe environment of SeaTac, and promoting recreation parks for young and old. Joe’s love for his city and country was surpassed only by his love for his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty; his children Mike Erika, Barbara Wu Louis, Mitch Karen, Beverly Seto Tom, Marshall Consuelo; grandchildren Alexander, Nick, Sage, Heather, Sydney, Forrest, Tiburcio; sister Marietta, and Reverend John Fiore. His great faith helped him overcome many major illnesses. We will all miss Joe’s witty sense of humor, his generosity, and his unfailing courage. A visitation will be on Friday beginning at 4:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM, both at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac 206 242-1787. Funeral services will be held at St. Philomena Parish , 1790 S. 222nd St., Des Moines, WA, on Saturday, October 18th, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the UW Medical Center Transplant Program and the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
My dad could tell a story like no one else. He never forgot a joke. Most of the time you were half way through the story before you realized it was a joke. Each story he made his own. He had a memory for jokes that was simply incredible.
Dad was the best father. His love, strength and joy will forever be in and on my heart.
I hope I make him proud. I miss him so very much.
The truth is Dad, you are the cuteist. That was always the answer. We love you for forever.
Love,
Barbara, Louie and Heather
We read of Joe’s passing as we were flying to New Orleans. I’m sorry we were unable to attend the service, but please know you were all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe was a wonderful man, and we feel privileged to have known him. We enjoyed his intelligence, his determination, and his caring. Someone once said that the world should always be a better place because a man had lived. The world was definitely a better place because of Joe. He will be missed.
Brennan Family
No words can express the warmth of Friendship I found in two great people, they are Joe & Betty Brennan. They opened their home in my families time of need and not only shared their home, but welcomed us with open arms. I can not express the sorrow I felt when I received word of Joe’s passing. Sympathy is truly felt from my heart. I continue to pray for you Betty as I surely know that Joe is resting easy now. I will always remember the warmth and kindness you both gave our family. We can never forget what a loving couple you were. I also enjoyed reading your book. I do believe that faith has alot to do with what your book consisted of. With fond memories of a wonderful man.
Sincerely Linda Geise’s Sister in Ketchikan, Alaska. Tari
Uncle Joe your humor and compassion will be missed by all. Your inspiring words have boosted me in many ways. God Bless you and your family.
Love Linda
I remeber the first day I met Joe. I had just moved in and was in my garage. Joe walked over and introduced himself. I instantly knew I had made a lifelong friend. My wife and I have been so blessed knowing Joe and Betty… people like this are hard to find: so full of unselfish love. The world lost a great man but heaven gained a great saint.
Barbara, I was thinking about you just a couple of days ago, wondering where you were and what you had done since college. When I opened up Friday’s paper and saw the notice of your Dad’s death, I wanted to send you a note to let you know how sorry I was to hear of his death and your grief. If you’d like, send me a note. I’d love to catch up and laugh some old times at Tyee and AXiD. In the mean time, take some time for yourself to grieve and care for your Mom and kids.
Love,
Barbara Row Munson
Joe will always be remembered, as a person of great respect for other people and great humor. We are all thankful to have known him.
We considered your friendship one of our greatest gifts – you and Betty were such a shining example to us. God bless all your family. Jerry and Patty Guite
We will allways remember the Senior Trips we took and listening to all of Joe’s terrific stories. The city of SeaTac will be missing a great friend. Love Joanne and Walt
Been thinking of you folks a lot lately; wish now I had called. Best wishes to you, Betty, & your family. We’ll miss you, Joe.
John & Nancy Gowdy
Dear Betty and Family:
I was so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. What a wonderful tribute to him in the paper. I remember all the times that Don would say, “I’m going over and talk to Joe”–he sure enjoyed that. Don has severe dementia but I know he understood when I told him about Joe. Our sympathies to you all. Kathy and Don Canter
Mitch and Karen, and family – I was so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betsy
Dear Family,
It has been many year’s since I last saw Joe.
Serving on the first SeaTac council with him was a pleasure.
My heart-felt sympathy goes out to all of you.
Warmly,
Jeanne Masters
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May our Lord bless you and give you comfort during this time.
Barbara,
We all grieve with you. Remember all the good times. Your dad has a great history and I am sure you have many memories to go along with that. Remember he is just leading the way for you one day. hugs and kisses from us
Dad, Thank you for fighting through so many illnesses so that your grandchildren have so many wonderful memories of you. We miss you so much!!! Since you are up there could you put in a good word for the HUSKIES? They need your support now more than ever. Love, Bev
I worked with Joe many years ago at Pier 91 and he was one of the most cheerful people that I have ever met. He was always talking about Betty and Mikey and enjoyed his family so much. I said my Mass for him this morning. May He Rest In Peace.
The Brennan family has touched our lives in ways that are hard to describe.
For me, the friendship and kindness were given in generous spirit and an appreciation for the
“human condition”.
I loved it when we would ask Joe Brennan if he and Betty could join us for an event at our home, and his cheery reply always with love, a twinkle in his eye and the mutual admiration for the love of his life, his wife, Betty came back to us as
“Sounds good. I’ll have to check with our social secretary…” followed by a chuckle.
Joe could tell a story. Some of the ones shared after the Junior High dances held at Madrona Elem were great. No names were needed in the telling.
We were all lucky to have Joe as a friend. He was an inspiration to us all.
In our hearts and minds, always.
Warm hugs to all his family,
Sandy & Steve Scott
360-665-2868
PO Box 40
Ocean Park, WA 98640
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I was Bev’s Joe’s fun-loving daughter roommate in college for four years. I always loved her dad! He was so much fun and even laughed at my weird sense of humor. I have great memories of watching his relationship with Bev, knowing that it was a fun and loving relationship between a dad and his daughter.
I’m sure he’s laughing in Heaven, and has probably already made friends with everyone there. My thoughts and prayers are with Bev and her family. You were lucky to have such a great man in your life.
We will never forget Joe’s impression he left on us through his stories and jokes that never ceased to liven up any situation, his eagerness to lend the kindest of words, and his upbeat attitude and energy he proudly carried in everything he did.
He left his own personal signature in each of our hearts and that will never fade.
Our sincerest condolences to the Brennan Family in their time of sorrow.
“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.†~ Author Unknown
Love Always,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Brennan family. Since growing up next door I consider your family my family. Your Dad was a true light of love here on earth. I always felt love and joy anytime I was around Joe Brennan.
Love Patsy Riley Brown
Steve, Noah, Lauren & Amanda Brown
Six years later we still miss you. You are my shining star. With Louie’s help we are doing our best to take care of Mom. We love you forever……..The Pope called….