WESTFIELD – Benjamin “Ben” Brennan,71, cherished and beloved husband, father, and grandfather died on Friday in Baystate Medical Center. Born in Chicopee, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Rita (Couture) Brennan, and has lived most of his life in Westfield.Ben was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, serving on the US Dealey and was a member of Westfield American Legion Post 124. He was a charter member of the Sons of Erin of Westfield, where he was instrumental in starting the Colleen Ball. Ben was elected Irishman of the Year in 1983, was the Grand Marshall of the parade in 1986 and was a member of the Holyoke Parade Committee. He was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church. Ben enjoyed working out at the YMCA and the Westfield State gym. He was an avid gardener, and played in many golf leagues. Ben especially love spending time with his grandchildren.
He was employed at WGGB Channel 40 for over twenty years, and later worked for WHYN Radio as a Senior Marketing Consultant, and for WMAS Radio as an Account Executive. During his career he was a member of the Westfield CDC, the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Western Mass., and a member of the Tri-County Fair.
Ben is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Geraldine “Jerri” ( Olbrych) Brennan; a son, Christopher of Colorado; a daughter, Lindsey Michalik and her husband Karl of Longmeadow; his sister, Katherine Duquette and her husband Raymond of Chicopee. He also leaves his loving grandchildren, Dylan Brennan, and Kordelia Michalik. He was predeceased by his brother Russell, and sister-in –law Jacquelyn Brennan.
His funeral will be held on Thursday from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service,76 Broad Street, Westfield at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in Holy Trinity Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Donations made in his memory to the Sons of Erin Scholarship Fund, 22 William Street, Westfield, MA 01085
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