Melvin J. Brennan

Melvin J., devoted husband of 53 years to Patricia (Wiechman) Brennan, loving father of Colleen (Thomas) Laux, F. Daniel (Lisa), Kathleen and Maureen Brennan and proud grandfather of Nicholas and Nathan Laux and Kristin and Matthew Brennan. Passed away February 22 at age 78. Mel was born in Connersville, Indiana, but moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, with his parents in the 1940s. During those early years he became a familiar face around the New York Yankees spring training camp in St. Pete. He was a proud alumnus of Xavier University where he graduated in 1957 and in 1959. He worked most of his career as an insurance adjustor for the Insurance Company of North America, now CIGNA Corp. His lifelong love of sports led him to a part-time avocation as a reporter for the Cincinnati Royals basketball team, the Stingers and Swords hockey teams and the Cincinnati Reds. In the 1970s and 1980s he was a respected high school and college soccer referee as well as a youth soccer referee trainer. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 PM on Thursday, February 27 at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Avenue in College Hill. Memorial Mass Friday, February 28, at 10 AM at St. Clare Church, 1443 Cedar Avenue in College Hill. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Xavier University Athletic Programs, Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207.