John Patrick Brosnan, 88, passed away in Vero Beach, Fla. on Sunday, March 9, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Oakland to Denis and Margaret Brosnan and lived there for 70 years before moving to Vero Beach in 1996. He then moved to Rio Vista, Calif. in 2003, returning to Vero Beach five years ago. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served with the 15th Air Force in Southern Italy where he flew 35 missions on a B-24 Liberator.

He had his general contractor’s license in California for more than 50 years and was a manager for Airco in California (BOC) for 45 years prior to his retirement. He was an American Welding Society member and past chairman of the San Francisco Section as well as past chairman of the Emeryville Planning Committee. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and VFW Post #3918 in Vero Beach where he served on the Honor’s Team.

John was an avid boater and 49ers fan who often watched Monday night football with his sonsin- law while living in California. He was an expert craftsman with projects ranging from furniture to docks, restaurants and homes. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Arlene, daughters Joan Kammerer, Nancy Brosnan (Alan) Cohen, Patricia (Mark) Haggen and Mimi Brosnan and grandchildren Johanna Kammerer, Denis Cohen, Andrew Haggen and Rachael Haggen all of California.

He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Rudy and Kerry. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life funeral mass Monday, March 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 30 Mandalay Road in Oakland followed by a lunch reception in their hall. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oakland. Grant Miller-John Cox Mortuary 510-451-6434 FD# 171 www.grantmillerchapel.com