Dennis Brennan, Jr.

Dennis Joseph Brennan, Jr., age 78, of Media, PA, passed away on September 23, 2019.

Dennis was born in Southwest Philadelphia to Dennis Brennan Sr. and Amelia (nee Yackus).  He attended grade school at St. Barnabas and later, West Catholic High School.  Active in his community, he maintained his friendships through the rest of his life, often attending West Catholic’s alumni events.  Dennis was awarded a scholarship for Track and Field at St. Joseph’s University where he competed in the long jump and was a State Champion hurdler while majoring in Business.  He took a particular interest in information systems and technology when computer technology was still in its infancy.

In 1962, Dennis began working at the Federal Government for both the Department of Defense and the Energy Department where he progressed through various information technology positions from a trainee programmer to Executive Management over a period of 17 years.  He also completed his MBA at Drexel University.

Dennis and his future wife Katy met each other on a ski trip. They married in 1971 and they moved to Broomall in Delaware County.  They soon had their first son, Dennis Joseph III and introduced their second son, Thomas Patrick two years later.  They also owned a large St. Bernard named Heidi who was a close member of their new family.  Dennis was a loving father and was actively engaged in the upbringing of their boys.  They played sports from grade school through college and he never missed a game and he helped them with their success in school. When Dennis’s children, Ryan and Alexis were born he was very active as a granddad as well.

In 1980, Dennis left his work with the Federal Government and returned to his Alma Mater, St. Joseph’s University, where, for the next 30 years, he taught business and information technology courses.  He also taught courses at University of Phoenix beginning in 2000 and later became Chair of the IT Department.

Dennis had an active life, always wanting to stay busy.  He continued to compete in Masters Track and Field events.  He coached Little League when his boys were young and volunteered as a Track & Field official in his last years.  He loved to work on projects around the house and even built an entire outdoor wooden deck.  He enjoyed entering sweepstakes wherever he could find them, and won a number of prizes including a few big ones.  He also loved spy novels and enjoyed watching the animals in the forest behind his house.

Dennis was a good friend to many and dearly loved by his family and he will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Saturday, September 28, 2019, 9:00 – 10:20 AM at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.  Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to St. Joseph University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, would be appreciated.