Bryan Brenner

On Friday, February 19, 2021, Bryan Brenner, loving son, brother, and friend to people and animals alike, passed away at the age of 40. Bryan was born on July 11, 1980 in Barnegat, NJ to Donna Brenner (Knoblauch) and Jon Brenner. While Bryan lived in New Jersey and Texas, he recently was living in Keansburg, NJ. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Bryan was awed by his peaceful energy, charisma, genuineness, gentleness and strength. From day one, he was filled with an amazement for all that life had to offer and soaked up every new experience in front of him. As a child, he loved being outdoors, biking with his friends through the Pine Barrens and saving stray animals, many of whom became life-long pets. While his teenage years were full of difficult trials and tribulations, he carried them upon himself without self pity. His love of people, animals and the outdoors carried with him into adulthood. Bryan would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, and was always looking to help all those around him whether by providing shelter, doing chores for the seniors, giving money to those in need, or just being a shoulder to lean on. Bryan loved all creatures great and small, from his own pets, to stray and wild animals. He volunteered to help abandoned pets by capturing, finding medical care for, and then releasing them. Bryan was extraordinarily smart, creative and innovative. He had a natural artistic talent, particularly sculpting and carving. At an early age Bryan proved himself in a profession he came to love, working as a heavy construction welder for companies including Coastal Steel of New Jersey. He quickly became known for his precise expertise, and coupled with his interpersonal skills, worked as a foreman overseeing both junior and senior tradesmen. Bryan is survived by his beloved family, including his mother Donna Brenner and step-father Gerald Mahaffey of St. Augustine, FL and New Egypt, NJ; father Jon Brenner and step-mother Kerry Brenner of Lake Dallas, TX; brother Jonathon Brenner and his wife Christine Brenner of Raleigh, NC; brother Justin Brenner and his wife Sasha Brenner of Ormond Beach, FL; nephews, Alec, Luke, Jake and Ethan and niece Autumn; Uncle James Knoblauch of Whiting, NJ and Uncle Robert Knoblauch and his wife Michele Lesoine of Basking Ridge, NJ; Grandfather Clarence Knoblauch of Jackson, NJ; cousins Ryan Knoblauch of Milford, NJ; Dustin Lynn Knoblauch and her husband Christopher Kalinski of Farmingdale, NJ; extended family Gerald Mahaffey Jr. and his wife Rachel Mahaffey, Mindi, Maddy and Brad Mahaffey; his dear friend Kimberly Halpin; his dog Jackie; and his many, many friends that were truly a part of his family. We will always remember Bryan’s loyalty, generosity, caring free spirit and love. His laugh and smile could fill any room with charm. His struggles with addiction were a part of his battle and ours. Our hearts will hold him close. His love was a gift and joy to us all. In lieu of cards and flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to an animal shelter or food pantry of your choice.

Bryan Brenner

July 11, 1980 - February 19, 2021