It has been reported that John Brennan, chairman of USTA District 12 and a native of Rockaway Beach, N.Y, has passed away. He was 69. He was the first reported death in New Jersey from the coronavirus.
He was hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center last Friday, and had conditions that included emphysema, diabetes and hypertension, said state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. He suffered a heart attack Monday night and was revived, but died Tuesday morning after a second heart attack, Persichilli said. Brennan had not recently traveled outside the United States, she said.
Brennan finished school in 1968 and worked as a steamfitter for four years before he began his career in harness racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Has been training horses for more than 40 years, racing stables in New York and New Jersey.
He won the 1995 Merrie Annabelle with Missy Will Do It. Was previously part-owner and trainer of Sugar Trader, winner of the 2003 Yonkers Trot and runner-up in the 2003 Hambletonian.
He was on the board of the SOA of N.Y. for more than 30 years, an HHI delegate for more than 20 years, and a USTA director for 22 years. He was currently the horsemen’s representative at Yonkers Raceway.
More information on funeral service will be posted when available.
by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink