Born: July 10, 1972 - Deceased: February 15, 2023
Ryan E Brennan, 50 (7/10/72) , of Belleville, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, February 15, 2023 at St Louis University Hospital. He suffered an aneurysm and collapsed at his home on January 30,2023. Ryan was airlifted to SLU hospital where he remained in the ICU for 17 days. He was surrounded by people who loved him every minute of those 17 days.
Ryan was the father of Sarah, Kyle and Luke Brennan of Belleville, IL. His children were the loves of his life. Any time Ryan had with his kids was precious time. But, as an adrenaline junkie, his favorite times with his family were spent snow skiing, boating, jet skiing, riding four wheelers, riding dirt bikes, cliff jumping, hiking, etc. Really, anything at full speed with his hair on fire made him happy ! Ryan also loved to travel and had just returned from a two week vacation to Hawaii with his girlfriend, Kathleen. In addition to his children, surviving also is his mother Barbara of Belleville, IL, his father Edward (Sherry) of Bonita Springs, FL, his sister Susan (Bruce Cohn) of Belleville, his girlfriend, Kathleen (her daughter Penny) , and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces and a nephew.
Ryan graduated from Westminster College and St Louis University law school. He owned and practiced law at the Brennan law firm. He was admitted to the bar in both Illinois and Missouri. During his career, he worked as an assistant state’s attorney for St Clair County, and practiced law with both his father and sister during his career. As a trial attorney, Ryan proudly represented railroad workers who were injured on the job and was a union designated counsel for the SMART union. Ryan was a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA), the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA), a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and truly loved being an attorney. He was also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, a lifelong member of St Clair Country Club and Blessed Sacrament parish.
Our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses for the wonderful care Ryan received during our days at SLU Hospital and their kindness to us. Ryan fulfilled his wish to be an organ donor and at least three life saving surgeries took place in St Louis following his death. Per his request, Ryan’s body will be cremated.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Belleville Area Humane Society. Even more importantly, please consider doing something kind for someone else as a way to honor Ryan.
Services: A celebration of life will be held from 1-3 on Sunday, Feb 19,2023 at Kurrus funeral home. Friends and family are welcome to share a memory or tell a story about Ryan.
17 Comments
My sincere condolences to his family.
Sympathy and prayers to the entire family. Ryan, was a great guy. I was two classes behind Ryan at Westminster College. Ryan, was always fun to be around, left an impact on all that came in contact with him. Definitely will be remembered for being smart, friendly and a leader!
Please know how very sorry I am about Ryan’s passing.
I was lucky to have been his friend for many years. He was a heck of a guy.
My sincere condenses for the loss of Ryan. I was never lucky enough to know Ryan but know that since Kathleen loved him he must have been very special. Prayers of peace for Ryan and his family.
As penned by the famous English poet of the Victorian era, Alfred Lord Tennyson, it is “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
Ryan, I love you. And miss you. Godspeed, my brother.
Our sincere sympathy to Ryan’s mother Barb and the entire Brennan Family. This was certainly a shock to hear. What a special man. Much love and prayers for peace & comfort. Carl & Barb Lee Family (Susie & Mike, Carl & Kathleen, Karen & Roger, Stephanie)
This is heart breaking. A beautiful loving charismatic guy. My deepest condolences to you all. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Kate and I extend our sympathies to Ryan’s family. Ryan and I worked on a number of matters together. It was always a pleasure to be in his company.
My condolences to the family, he was a great guy!
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Brennan family. I can only imagine the pain of losing such a bright young man. Ryan was a super kid and a great man. He will be missed for his smile. The legal community also has lost a great warrior. Sincerest regards, Justice Judy Cates
Please accept our sincere condolences. Ryan and the entire Brennan family are heavy in our thoughts and hearts today.
A life well lived, his legacy will carry on in those he helped save as an organ donor, and n the lasting memories he created as a beloved friend and family member.
Barb, Ed , Susie – sending prayers and sympathies on this tremendous loss. Words are insufficient. Love to all, Sheila O’Brien
Ed, Barb and Susan I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and his family at this difficult time.
My condolences to everyone in his family. I have known Ryan since Little League Baseball. We were on the High School Tennis team. Even seeing Ryan at the swim meets with all of our kids these last few years. Seeing the recent Facebook posts, Ryan was always proud of his kids. I could tell the kids were his world. I will always remember him.
Ryan will be missed! Condolences to his family! I met Ryan in high school through a mutual friend and have seen him often over the years; especially at swim meets with our kiddos.
I am so sorry having just learned of Ryan’s passing. I extend my condolences to Ryan’s children, other family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Ryan on a legal matter. I was impressed by his professionalism, courtesy and his overall friendly way. All who loved Ryan should be proud of the work he did to help others in need. Rest In Peace.
We care deeply for the family. There are no words. Wishing you beautiful memories of your beloved Ryan.