John Patrick Brosnan, 88, of Vero Beach, passed away on March 9, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Arlene; daughters Joan Kammerer, Nancy Brosnan (Alan) Cohen, Patricia (Mark) Haggen, and Mimi Brosnan; and grandchildren Johanna Kammerer, Denis Cohen, Andrew Haggen and Rachael Haggen.
He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Rudy and Kerry.
Brosnan was born in Oakland, Calif., to Denis and Margaret Brosnan and lived there for 70 years before moving to Vero Beach in 1996. He then moved to Rio Vista, Calif., in 2003, returning to Vero Beach five years ago.
He enlisted in the US Army Air Corp and served with the 15th Air Force in Southern Italy where he flew 35 missions on a B-24 Liberator.
Brosnan had his General Contractor’s License in California for over 50 years and was a manager for Airco in California (BOC) for 45 years prior to his retirement. He was an American Welding Society member and former Past Chairman of the San Francisco Section. He was also a Former Chairman of the Emeryville, Calif., Planning Committee.
He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and VFW Post #3918 in Vero Beach where he served on the Honor’s Team. Brosnan was an avid boater and 49ers fan who often watched Monday night football with his sons-in-law while living in California. He was an expert craftsman with projects ranging from furniture to docks, restaurants, and homes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Brosnan will be transferred to the Grant Miller – John Cox Mortuary in Oakland and Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oakland. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
