John E. Brennan | Company president, 80

John E. Brennan, 80, of Dresher, retired president of a software consulting company, died of pneumonia Tuesday at Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler.

Mr. Brennan grew up in Mount Carmel, Pa. After graduating from high school in 1946, he enlisted in the Army and served in occupied Japan, where his unit guarded the Imperial Palace.

He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Georgetown University on the GI Bill and began working in the fledging computer industry, including for Sperry-Univac and Philco-Ford's computer division.

For three years in the 1960s, he was communications manager for Ford Motor Co. in Detroit. At Ford, Mr. Brennan joined the group of young executives, nicknamed the Whiz Kids, who revitalized the company, said his wife, Eva Harner Brennan.

Mr. Brennan later became president of Keystone Computer Co. in Fort Washington. He was then president of JMI Software Consultants in Horsham from 1980 until retiring in 1995.

A Catholic, he was a Knight of Columbus; attended spiritual weekends at Malvern Retreat House for many years; and assisted with finances at St. Alphonsus Church in Maple Glen.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Mr. Brennan is survived by daughters Kathleen Rutledge and Eileen Kearney; sons Kevin and Mark; and five grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Alphonsus Church, 33 Conwell Dr., Maple Glen, Pa. 19002, to which memorial donations may be made. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m.