Jeremiah F. Bresnahan Was Teacher and Mentor

Jeremiah Frances Bresnahan of Nahant and Martha's Vineyard died Tuesday morning of natural causes at the age of 72.

Mr. Bresnahan was born in Lynn on June 26, 1930. He was known to many Islanders as a friendly and unselfish person.

As a young man he served his country in the Marines fighting in Korea in the Inchon and Chosen Reservoir campaigns. After the war he dedicated most of his adult life to peaceful pursuits. He received his undergraduate and master's degrees from Salem State and a doctorate of education from Pacific University. He served as a teacher, administrator and as a chief of staff in the United States Congress.

After retiring, Mr. Bresnahan continued to help his fellow man as a substitute teacher, mentor at the Charter School, guide for the Land Bank, and savior to many people in recovery and crisis.

Jeremiah Bresnahan balanced a strong, opinionated personality with a genuine sense of humility, spirituality and compassion. He will be missed by his many friends on the Vineyard who will carry on in his spirit.

He is survived by three daughters: Kathleen, Maura and Eileen, and eight grandchildren. A funeral mass will be said Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's in Lynn.

A celebration of his life for his Vineyard friends will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs.

I met Jeremiah many years ago at the Vineyard. I was there couple of days ago and thought of him. We were in touch, and then suddenly I never heard from him again. I just googled his name online and found this. I remember him as being very, very sweet and very much a gentleman. I am glad I knew him... Angela VanZandt Little Rock, Arkansas

I knew Jeremiah in the last 15 years of his life. He was an extraordinary person. And he is still very missed.

I agree - he was an extraordinary person. There isn't a day that goes by that I haven't thought of or missed him. I call up this page every year on the anniversary of his passing. To see your comment this year put a smile on my face and I know it would have done the same for him.

Thanks Beth. Hope we get to meet at some point. Exchange remembrances.

I would welcome that opportunity, Dan.

I, too, think of Jeremiah often. Larger than life. As I close in on my sixth decade, I remain ever so thankful that a young man in his early 20's was hired into Congressman Anderson's office and that I got to work for Jeremiah. So many memories and all good. Seems like it was just yesterday though it was the late 80's. Fortunate to even come for a short visit upon his retirement to Edgartown. He was a man that has had a profound impact on my life to this very day. Would love to have a few more conversations with him now that I am older. Perhaps we will have that change in heaven for I know it is where he resides.

Jeremiah was quite unique. Gifted with intelligence wit personality, he was also a most entertaining and interesting character who was very generous. He had soul. He was a very close friend of an uncle in LA. I would love to communicate with Beth. Jeremiah came to Ireland on holiday and stayed with us. We had great fun. I can give email privately BR

Bridget, I would love to connect. My email is bethbres13@gmail.com. It is so touching to see these messages pop up almost 20 years since my grandfather passed.

Over the years my thoughts turn to my friend, Jeremiah. We became acquainted in LA in 1982 when I was performing in DANCIN’. He dropped off the MARBLEHEAD MESSENGER because he thought I might be missing home. He and a friend of his from Truro invited me to dinner. Not knowing who this seemingly kind man was I brought a fellow cast member with me. He was so kind to me much like a father figure. Our paths crossed over the years as we remained friends. He was on my mind tonight and the internet led me to his obituary. To his family it was a pleasure meeting your kind and honest father who continued to hand deliver the Marblehead paper to the stage door every week for the entire run. My best, Rita

I was so very lucky to have Mr. Bresnahan sit me down on my first day as a teacher and settled me down. I appreciated his candor and his rich humor and perspectives. I retired as a professor at a community college in June 2022 and I know now it all goes back to that good start I had with Mr. B.

It's hard to believe that my Dad would have been 93 on June 26th!! It's heartwarming to see all these remembrances after all these years. He would have been touched! He is greatly missed!!

How to Submit an Obituary

The Vineyard Gazette welcomes obituaries of people who have lived or vacationed regularly on Martha’s Vineyard. The Gazette does not charge for obituaries, but reserves the right to edit them for length and style. Please email copy and photo if desired to news@vineyardgazette.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for publication in print on Friday. Obituaries will appear online and in print.

Comments (11)

Angela VanZandt, LIttle Rock, Arkansas

August 4, 2013 - 3:04pm

Dan Hull, Washington, D.C.

April 14, 2015 - 8:50am

Beth Bresnahan, Lynn, MA

October 13, 2015 - 8:40pm

November 13, 2015 - 3:43am

Beth Bresnahan, Lynn, Massachusetts

April 12, 2017 - 8:50pm

Steve Johnson, Owensboro, Kentucky

January 13, 2020 - 3:32pm

Bridget Reilly, Ireland

November 20, 2020 - 9:27am

Beth Bresnahan, Massachusetts

January 4, 2022 - 8:13pm

Rita Sullivan March, Marblehead

January 3, 2023 - 6:29pm

Kevin Anthony, Studio City

June 8, 2023 - 11:41pm

Maura Bresnahan Russell, Lynn, MA

June 14, 2023 - 9:09pm

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Jeremiah F. Bresnahan Was Teacher and Mentor

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