James Francis Brennan Sr.

James Francis Brennan, Sr., formerly of Ramsey and Brant Beach, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024.

James was born on November 18, 1944, in Mahwah, NJ, the son of John Brennan and Margaret (Crowe) Brennan.  James grew up in Mahwah and he graduated from Don Bosco Preparatory High School in 1962.  He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Villanova University in 1966 and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky in 1969.

James met his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Radesky) Brennan, at the lake at Darlington Park in Mahwah, NJ.  The pair married in 1966 and were together for 50 years, until Patricia passed away in 2016.

James worked as an attorney in private practice for 30+ years in Ramsey, NJ, where he and Patricia raised their three children, and served as the borough attorney for Ramsey for 28 years.  In addition, he presided as the Municipal Court Judge in Teterboro, NJ, for 36 years, until he retired from his position in February 2024.

James was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling with Patricia and his family.  He enjoyed cooking and was a sports enthusiast who rarely missed watching a Villanova basketball game.  He loved his seven grandkids with all his heart and could often be found cheering them on at games and performances.

James is survived by his children, James F. Brennan, Jr., and his wife, Katherine of New York City, Kelly Davis and her husband Brian, of Glen Rock, NJ, and Bridget Adler and her husband Marc, of Allendale, NJ, and by his 7 grandchildren, Jack Brennan, Charlotte Brennan, William Brennan, Eloise Brennan, Grant Davis, Madeleine Adler, and Henry Adler.  He is predeceased by his brother, John Brennan.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1, from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM at Vander Platt Funeral Home in Wyckoff, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 2, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ memory may be directed to Franciscan Missions, franciscanmissions.org

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