Obituary of Christopher J. Brennan
It is with deep sorrow to announce the passing of Christopher J. Brennan, 31, on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021. The unexpected, tragic occurrence was due to complications caused by a bilateral pulmonary embolism in Abington, Pennsylvania.
Christopher was born June 2nd, 1989 in Plainfield, New Jersey, and spent most of his childhood in East Brunswick, New Jersey, graduating from the High School as part of the Class of 2007.
Shortly after High School, Christopher enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent 8 years serving his country, from the years 2008 to 2016. During this time, he achieved his high ranking of Staff Sergeant, and had the opportunity to work in various destinations throughout the world. Prior to his honorable discharge in 2016, Christopher served in Kuwait, Qatar, South Korea, North Dakota, and Washington State. He took a particular liking to his Washington post, that allowed him to spend time with his cousins in the Pacific Northwest whom he always felt a profound closeness to.
This also allowed him to expand his horizons with nature, which he had a strong appreciation for, often looking for the next challenging hike to conquer, wherever in the country it may be. Another passion Christopher devoted his time to was his online gaming community, which provided a constant source of comfort and happiness for him, and resulted in lifelong friends around the world.
His competitive nature was ever-present in the family tradition of Pinochle, a game Chris loved so much that he had a tattoo in its honor. His familial reputation for being virtually unbeatable at the card table will surely be part of his legacy. Another way he bonded with his family was through his love of cooking – first inspired by his grandmother’s Hungarian roots, Chris eventually branched out with the goal of mastering all styles of cuisine, taking a particular liking to Asian fusion in most recent years. One would also be remiss to not mention Christopher’s love of craft beer, one of the many subjects he could educate an entire room on with his effortless intellect.
Chris is predeceased by his maternal grandmother Theresa Fetz.
He is survived by his loving family; mother, Karen DeSantis (Donald) of Warminster, PA; father, Bernard Brennan (Barbara) of East Brunswick; siblings; Patrick Brennan (Alexandra DeGennaro) of Hopewell, Nicole Brennan of Old Bridge, Colleen Brennan of Old Bridge, Don DeSantis (Phyllis Medina) of Virginia, Nicole DeSantis of East Brunswick, Jennifer George (Rob) of Bordentown; maternal grandfather; George Fetz of Souderton, Pa; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Barbara Brennan of Macungie, PA; and nephew, Cole Patrick Brennan. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, extended relatives, and dear friends throughout the United States.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29th, 2021 from 4-8pm in the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals at 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
Following the visitation, cremation services will take place privately.
Christopher’s remains will be laid to rest on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 12:30pm at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.
Friday’s visitation is going to Livestreamed via the funeral home YouTube channel which will be accessible through Chris’s webpage at www.mccriskinfuneralhome.com
We kindly ask that face masks be worn while visiting, to be mindful of physical distancing guidelines and for visitors to minimize time spent indoors to allow everyone a chance to pay their respects. We thank you for your understanding and for taking these precautions during this difficult time.
The Brennan and DeSantis family are kindly asking all to consider contributing to the PTSD Foundation of America (https://ptsdusa.org) as an alternative to floral arrangements. The organization aims to bring hope and healing to military veterans and families.