Gerald D. Brennen

Gerald Douglas Brennen, 83, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on December 11, 2019 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Nashua, NH.

Gerry was born on April 1, 1936 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to Thomas Edward Brennen and Alma McKay.

Born a Canadian farm boy, educated in nine, rural, one-room schools where his mother was his teacher, his family immigrated to the US in 1952 and settled in Great Falls, Montana. After graduation from Great Falls High School, Gerry's mother strongly suggested he enlist in the armed forces. Still a Canadian citizen, he joined the US Navy in 1955 and served as a flight engineer on the USS Randolph, USS Forrestal and USS Leyte Gulf. He boasted that he made over 100 perilous take offs and landings.

While stationed in Quonset Point, RI, he met and fell in love with Barbara and they were married in November 1959, a few months after he became a naturalized US citizen. The newlyweds moved to Nashua, NH and he took a job at Sanders Associates where he worked on projects that no one was allowed to talk about. He thoroughly enjoyed a successful career as a Principal Engineer that spanned over four decades.

Gerry's pleasures were simple ones. He was a master putterer, genius tinkerer and creative inventor - he designed and built a host of tools and gadgets to solve any complex problem. Had he patented any of these things, the family would be rich, but he just gave them to family and friends - dozens of home-made bug zappers adorned the backyards of several Nashua residents!

Most knew Gerry to be quiet and reserved unless you broached the subject of politics - there he had strong opinions and no one would win any argument with him. He whiled hours away listening to conservative talk radio and watching Fox News which kept him entertained as his health began to fail.

His off-color, and sometimes crotchety personality was endearing and he was loved by everyone who met him. He was the nucleus at family gatherings and parties and his seat at the head of the table can never be replaced. His family mourns his absence and will forever raise a glass of beer in his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann (Mowry) Brennen; his two accomplished children, Robin and Jayson; daughter-in-law, Judy Bergeron Brennen; two amazing grandchildren, Jayla and Tyler Brennen; his two younger brothers, Patrick Wayne of Texas and Lyle Gary Brennen of Maryland; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved greatly.

Gerry Brennen will not be joining us for breakfast any more.

Gerry's wishes were for a private family remembrance which took place on December 19, 2019. Anyone wishing to honor his memory are invited to donate to his daughter's non-profit - Pets without Vets. www.petswithoutvets.org/donate