Owen E. Brennan

Owen E. Brennan, of Uniontown, OH, passed away at home in the early morning of Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on March 3, 1938, in Torrington, CT; Owen was the only son of the late Owen Francis and Lillian (Thorpe) Brennan. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife Rose A. Brennan.

Owen attended Torrington local schools, graduating from Torrington High School in 1956. He went right to work at The Torrington Company, and for 30 years held positions involving Chemical, Metallurgical and Heat Treat sciences until retiring in 1987.

Owen had a wonderful sense of humor and will be remembered for his quick wit. He valued hard work and did everything with honesty and integrity. He found joy in meaningful conversations, reading, sports, traveling and staying connected to family and friends; as well as, holding court with his beloved cat, Bandit, or as he called him “El Bandito” because he stole Owen’s heart.

Owen proudly served his country for six years in the U.S. Army Reserves 1957-1960; and then active duty 1961-1963. In 1960, Owen met Miss Rose A. Chinatti of Torrington. On June 24, 1961 they married in Goshen, CT, and on August 10, 1961, he was activated to Fort Bragg, NC. On March 31, 1962, Shawn Michael Brennan was born. With a 3-day pass, Owen sped home to meet Shawn, comfort Rose; and with a heavy heart, returned back to Ft. Bragg until his Honorable Discharge in 1963. After eight years, the stresses of life resulted in amicable divorce in December 1977.

Owen loved sports, especially those involving a ball; course, that would mean all sports. Shawn inherited his father’s athletic abilities, and for years met on the court or course to play tennis or golf. Moving to Ohio didn’t deter any sports conversations, because every Sunday Shawn called during a game on ESPN and they would critique the official’s calls, coach’s plays, and boo the color commentators rambling.

In 1983, Owen was assistant coach for the Torrington Company Women’s Softball team. At their first practice in March, Owen met the love of his life, Laurel A. Dewey. On May 18, 1983, they had their first date at Two Guys Pizza in Torrington. They celebrated that date every year. This May would have been 43 years. They married on September 27, 1985, at the United Methodist Church in Winsted, CT. Shawn was best man and Laurel’s sister, Carol Kniep, was matron of honor. Owen & Laurel resided in Torrington, CT until relocating to Ohio in 2004, for Laurel’s job transfer to the Timken Company of Canton. Laurel retired in August 2017.

Owen is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laurel A. Brennan; son, Shawn M. Brennan; Feline companion and partner in crime - El Bandito (Bandit Brennan – Tuxedo kitty); He is also survived by In-Laws: Carol (Dewey) Kniep; Arthur Dewey, and Peter & Esther (Williams) Dewey; and Best Friends: Robert O’Dell & Eleanor Arnold, Greenville, SC; as well as, many other relatives and friends.

A private viewing for immediate family was held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home - Ellet, 547 Canton Road, Akron, OH 44312.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7707 Market Ave N, North Canton, OH 44721. Visitation hours 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Service 11:00 – 12:00, with a Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Owen’s name to:

Humane Society Summit County

752 West Portage Trail

Akron, OH 44313.