Obituary of Brendan F. Fernan

Brendan (Bru) F. Fernan 56 of Johnson City passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 24, 2026. Brendan was predeceased by his parents Francis A. and Ann Marie (VanDerbeck) Fernan and his brother Patrick W Fernan. Brendan is survived by his son Matthew P. Fernan who made him proud to be a father every day. He is also survived by his two sisters Kate Grippen and Jamie Fernan. Brendan was a life-long resident of the area and he had many friends who were family to him (too many to name); but, two longtime friends include Lucas Van Zandt and Mark Moran. Brendan spent many days playing Euchre or shooting Pool at the Ancient Order of the Hibernians where he was a member for many years. He was also an associate member of the Sons of Italy in Binghamton where you would find him playing Hearts and other card games. Brendan graduated from Seton Catholic Central in 1988 and Broome Community College 1990. He worked at St. Mary of the Assumption Church for more than two decades and then went to work for close friend and mentor Michael Partenza. Brendan's love of sports was enduring. In the early years it was baseball; in high school he played football, basketball, and golf. His passion for sports transcended his youth and he went on to coach St. Mary of the Assumption Varsity Basketball for many seasons, and he was proud of his teams and their commitment to excellence on the court. Brendan was also an Umpire who enjoyed many years of umpiring high school baseball games with close friends and fellow umpires Bill Rubiconti and Primo Ponti. Brendan will long be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his strong opinions, and his favorite cocktail (Christian Brothers on the rocks) those were the things that made him Brendan or 'Bru' to the masses. Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 1 p.m. Rev. Edward Zandy will officiate. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.