Deacon John Brennan

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon John Brennan, who passed away on March 13, 2024, at the age of 76.

Deacon Brennan was born in Lewiston on February 23, 1948, the second of four children born to Francis and Jeannette Brennan, a deeply religious family.

After graduating from St. Patrick School in Lewiston, he enrolled in the Paulist Fathers Minor Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, but after one semester returned home to attend Lewiston High School. 

In 1969, he began a career in law enforcement, first serving as an administrative assistant to the chief of police in Auburn and then joining the Portland Police Department, where he would climb the ranks, being named deputy chief in 1989.

During this time, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology from the University of Southern Maine and then a master's level graduate certificate in administration and management from Harvard University. During his police career, he was honored with numerous awards.

After retiring from law enforcement, he felt God calling him to service in the Catholic Church and on June 14, 1998, he was ordained a permanent deacon. He served at St. John Paul II Parish in Scarborough, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook, and as director of the diocesan Office of Professional Responsibility.

Deacon Brennan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorraine. Please pray for her, their son John, and his other family members and friends.