Steven R. Brennen, 67, of Columbus, OH passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. He was born May 25, 1953 in Fremont, the son of Russell and Ann (Murray) Brennen. He was a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and received a master’s degree in public administration from Ohio State University. He also studied at Oxford in England.
Steven was Deputy Chief of Staff under Mayor Greg Lashutka in Columbus, OH. He was the Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Economic Development Administration Department of Commerce during President Regan’s administration. Steven was the Executive Director of National Small Business Advisory Council during the President George H. Bush administration. Steven loved politics and was an avid OSU fan.
Steven is survived by his mother, Ann Brennen and brother, Terry (Lisa) Brennen both of Fremont, OH; niece and nephew, Sean Brennen, Columbus, OH and Kelli Brennen, Maumee, OH.
He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Brennen and brother, Fr. John Brennen.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service, 550 Smith Rd, Fremont, OH, Fr. Chris Kardzis officiating. Services will be live streamed through the Sacred Heart website, sacredheart-fremont.org
The use of face masks is required while indoors. If you would prefer, you may express your condolences below or call the funeral home at 419-332-6409 to request that your name be signed in the guest book.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery
Memorials can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church
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Bob Hahn
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! May God bless you in this time of sorrow!
Vicki and Tim Hoffman
So sorry to Ann and Terry for the loss of your son and brother. Prayers and Hugs, Vicki
stephen g young
Ann, Terry and Family,
So sorry to read of the passing of Steve. He accomplished a lot in his life and lived that life in politics because of a passion for that environment. He was able to apply his experience and knowledge to all who reached out to him. Who knew growing up on Birdseye Boulevard how we all would end up. Prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Steve and Diane Young
Buda, Texas
terry brennen
Thanks Steve, great place to raise kids mom said
Missy Flahiff
Lisa,Terry,Ann,Sean and Kelly, We’re so very sorry to hear about Steve passing away. Please know you all are in our hearts,thoughts,and daily prayers. May God give you all the strength to get thru this sad time. Give Annie hugs and our sympathy. Love,The Flahiffs
Gary Parks
It brought sadness to my heart when I learned of Steve’s passing. I met Steve when I worked for the Lashutka administration in Columbus in the 90’s. I enjoyed his unique sense of humor and often solicited his valued input. I, too, mourn the loss of Steve with the Brennen family.
Hilde Williamson
My sincere condolences to the Brennen family on Steve’s passing. I had the pleasure of working for Steve when he was the Utilities Department Director at the PUCO. I still remember how he spoke lovingly of his family, especially his mother. May he rest in peace.
Hilde Williamson
Judy & Jim Laurer
Ann so sorry to hear about your son. My prayers are with you. It’s been a long time
that we worked together if you even remember me.
MIKE AND ANGIE MEHLING
SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS SAD NEWS, ,I AM AT LOSS FOR WORDS, YOU ALL ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Irene Bray
Ann and Terry and family, I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I am so sorry I can not come to the funeral Home but you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I have some pleasant memories about Steve. My love to all of you. Irene Bray
Pat Kingsborough
Terry, Lisa Ann and family.
Your losses have been great. I pray for your sadness to be lessened by the grace of God. You have so much strength for the challenges you have been facing. God will continue to walk with you.
Mary & Gary Franks
Ann, Terry and Lisa:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May Steve rest in peace.
Kevin Kehn
Mrs. Brennen and Terry,
My deepest condolences to you. May the love of God comfort you and may God’s peace be with you in the days, weeks and months to come.
John and Brenda Havens
Ann and Terry,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Steve. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Rebecca Andrews
Terry and Family
So sorry for your loss.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hope your mother is doing ok I know it is so hard to loose your children.
Tara E Barney
Ann, Terry and family:
My sincere condolences. Steve was a great friend from the time we met in graduate school at OSU. Probably the fall of 1974. He, I and a couple of others completed our M.P.A.’s together and then went on to work for the City of Columbus. Steve, for Mayor Moody and me for the Development Department. While we stayed in touch over the years, we were less so over time. Ironically, we reconnected through social media in the past few months, so I was devastated at his passing. A brilliant man, a great friend, and someone with a mind and sense of humor that was unsurpassed. I know how much you will all miss him. My prayers are with you all.
Tara England Barney
Susan Barbour
So sorry to hear of Steve’s death. God’s peace be with all of you.
Tom and Michele Montavon Hoyle
We first met Steve (and each other) as newly-minted budget analysts in the City of Columbus Finance Department. We worked hard and played hard and Steve was at the center of it all, the perpetuator and victim of many practical jokes. Steve rented screening rooms at local theaters and we gathered to watch movies like the original Star Wars and The Wiz. He soon moved on to a higher calling (the Mayor’s Office) and later served as an aide to Columbus Congressman Chalmers P. Wylie and then served in the leadership of the Economic Development Administration of the Commerce Department. We visited him in Washington while he was working there.
As others have noted, Steve thrived on political intrigue and loved being a party to “inside” information that he couldn’t always share. He was very intelligent and the consummate dresser. His self-deprecating sense of humor knew no bounds.
We miss him. Our condolences.
Diane Hilton
I am so sorry for your loss we were neighbors friends and went to Saint Joseph School
John Rogers
To Steve’s family:
Steve was the greatest boss I ever had in my 50 plus year career. That was not only my opinion but also of my co-workers at the Denver Office of the Economic Development Administration. I have many great memories of Steve as we travelled in Montana, meeting with state an local officials. Steve’s idea of “roughing it” was slow room service, so when he came to Montana, he experienced a lot of different conditions that did not meet his standards. He actually savored these experiences and would regale the staff in Denver and his colleagues in Washington about these experiences. What I really appreciated was his intelligence – wow! You didn’t have to explain details to him – in fact, if someone did, he was on to the next question. Just a great guy, and a good friend.