Waltham - Mr. Joseph J. Brennan, Of Waltham, died Sunday, April 11, 2010 in the Meadow Green Nursing Home, Waltham. He was 82.

Joseph was born January 5, 1928 in Cambridge, a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Donovan) Brennan. He was raised in Belmont and was a graduate of Belmont High School. He moved to Waltham in 1968. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.

Mr. Brennan was a Lieutenant on the Belmont Fire Department for over 27 years, retiring in 1980. He followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps, as he was the third generation to serve on the Belmont Fire Department. After retirement he transported those with special needs for the J.C.N. Transportation Company. Joe loved his work with these special need students and looked forward to his daily rides with each of them.

Joe enjoyed life and his interests and accomplishments were quite varied. Known as ‘The Voice' at Belmont High School he was a talented singer and recorded an album as a young man. Singing was always something he kept with him and it is something that his family will always remember Joe by. He was a doting grandfather to his two granddaughters, Kathryn and Grace. An avid golfer he also enjoyed boating and was a licensed pilot. In his later years though his body had physical limitations it did not keep him from remaining active. Joe Brennan loved life and made the best of each day.

He was a member and past-exalted ruler of the Lexington Lodge of Elks and a member of the PFC John M. Sullivan Post No. 10334 in Waltham and the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156 in Waltham. A talented marksman he was a two time medalist and former member of the New England Police Revolver League.

He leaves his best friend, Elizabeth D. (Laino) Brennan; his children, Jamie Brennan of Paris, France and Kerry A. Maher and her husband, Waltham Police Sergeant Timothy Maher; his granddaughters, Kathryn E. and Grace A. Maher; his brother, Robert Brennan of Center Harbor, New Hampshire and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joes's life by gathering for calling hours from 6 to 8.m. on Friday in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham. Funeral services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.