Bill Brennan

William “Bill” J. Brennan, age 88, of Maple Park, IL passed away on April 21, 2018, with the love and prayers of his family. He is now in the arms of his Savior and awaits the resurrection.Bill was born in Rochelle, IL, on March 1, 1930 to proud parents John and Helen Brennan. Bill grew up in Rochelle and attended local schools. Since he was the height of a grasshopper, Bill had a love for golf like no other. He came from a family of golfers and continued the proud tradition. During high school, Bill became a Pro at the Rockford Country Club, but got his nickname, “Spit-Ball”, from his play on the baseball diamond. Following graduation, Bill attended Arizona State for a short time but his love of golf called him back to Rochelle. The first meeting between Clara Francis Keenan and Bill, came not from chance, but a stroke of fate, along with a little help from Fran’s aunt. It was love at first sight for Bill, and although it may have been the same for her, Fran played “hard to get” by telling Bill he had to “work for it”, and work hard he did. Their first date would be one of many over the next couple of years, but Bill wasn’t going to quit his pursuit until they walked down the aisle as man and wife. That day came on October 12, 1963 and they began their new life together in Wayne, New Jersey, just minutes from 5th Avenue. Bill and Fran traded the hustle and bustle of city life for a home in Maple Park, IL. Village life suited them well, especially with the addition of Michelle, whom they adopted in 1971. With hearts full of love and laughter, the now complete family began to make a lifetime of memories. Fran was never bored and loved to keep Bill on his toes, much to his chagrin, if not hilarity. Though Bill traveled extensively in the Midwest region, selling golf equipment and accessories for McGregor and Hornung, he touched most of the lower 48 before his retirement. He and Fran became certified “snow birds” and vacationed every winter where the sun always shone and there was never a snowflake to be found. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and faithful parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park, IL. After high school, Bill laid down his clubs professionally in lieu of sales, but he always looked for any excuse to spend time on the links and feverishly followed his beloved Chicago Cubs. Although his bedrock was reinforced with respect, responsibility and religion, it didn’t mean Bill couldn’t also be known as one of the best entertainers around. He was quite the comedian and loved to entertain friends with his limitless knowledge of town gossip which many times rivaled the local newspaper. He was happiest playing King of his court, a cocktail in hand and the familiar refrain of, “Hon, just keep making hors d’oeuvres!” Another one of his favorite “talents” was singing. The fact that he only hit “most” of the notes correctly was of little consequence to Bill. When it came to building fires, there was no equal. Bill lorded over his backyard fire place with equanimity and aplomb. Bill shared his love of life and friendship like they’d never run out, and as such, his passing pains the hearts of many. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Fran Brennen; his daughter, Michelle Brennan; his grandson, Aaron Beegle; his brother, Jack Brennan; two sisters-in-law: Rosie Cady and Madeline “Aunt Tom” Keenan; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Brennan; two sisters: Emmie Hope and Marilyn Guthrie. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, 60119. A Mass to celebrate his life and faith will be on Saturday, April 28, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 123 County Line R, Maple Park, IL 60151 at 10 a.m., with a time of visitation from 9-9:45 a.m. Interment will follow mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery. **** All those attending are encouraged to wear their Chicago Cubs gear in honor of Bill. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in William’s name. Checks may be made to the “William Brennan Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A Mass to celebrate his life and faith will be on Saturday, April 28, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 123 County Line R, Maple Park, IL 60151 at 10 a.m., with a time of visitation from 9-9:45 a.m.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, 60119.

Interment will follow mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery.