Vito Brenna Obituary

BRENNA, VITO J. "WILLIE", 86, of Orlando, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2005 at The Commons at Orlando Lutheran Towers. Born on January 8, 1919 to Giuseppe and Mary (Vitella) Brenna in Trenton, NJ, Mr. Brenna lived in Trenton until 2002 when he moved to Orlando. Mr. Brenna was a graduate of Trenton Central High School (class of 1937) and attended Wooster College, Wooster, Ohio before returning home to help with the family business of Home Laundry on Remsen St. Mr. Brenna operated the Home Laundry until 1970 and then went to work at the Fort Dix Army Base laundry as a quality assurance inspector. After his retirement from Ft. Dix in 1982, Mr. Brenna continued his work at the Brenna Funeral Home where he was a regular presence at viewings and funerals or as he said "standing at the door". He continued this work on a part-time basis until his departure for Florida in 2002. In 1952, Mr. Brenna's life changed forever when visiting nurse Anne Hughes came to the family home to care for Giuseppe Brenna. Vito often remarked that he knew "that was the girl for me!" He wooed her and won her and they were married on Valentine's Day, 1953. Their marriage was a strong and enduring one that taught their children the true meaning of love and partnership. This great love lasted 35 years until Anne's death in 1988. He is survived by his children, Joseph, Largo, FL, and Joseph's fiancée Hilary Bilozi, Naples, FL; Kathleen and her husband Sam Meeks of Lompoc, CA; James and his wife Jane (Saks) of Pt. Pleasant, NJ, and their children, Braedon, Connor and Chloe; and Angela and her husband David Zipperer of Orlando, and their children Hayley and James. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews including honorary daughter Carol Stanton Meier, who shared his fondness for pignoli nut cookies. He was predeceased by his sisters, Angelina and Filomena and brother, Anthony. He loved life, food and establishing a feeling of welcome. He was never happier than when feeding a large group of family and friends. He was an outstanding cook and passed on many family recipes in the traditional San Felese style which will live on in many branches of the family in many geographic locations. He had a wicked sense of humor and always enjoyed getting away with a joke. As saddened as the family is at his passing we also take comfort in knowing that dad's compatriots are waiting for him to get the next card game going. The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Orlando Lutheran Towers, The Commons, Dr. Gary Lehman's office and Dr. William B. Kent's office for the patience, care and concern shown to our father during his time in Orlando. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Foundation at Orlando Lutheran Towers, 300 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801 or the Alzheimer's Resource Center, 1400 N. Semoran Blvd., Suite A and B, Orlando, FL 32807. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of The Brenna Funeral Home, 340 Hamilton Ave. Trenton, NJ.