John Paul Bresnahan's Obituary
John was born on July 27, 1962 in Fargo, ND and died suddenly at his home in San Diego on July 13, 2018. John was the fourth of seven children born to George and Mary Jane (O’Connor) Bresnahan. He lived in Casselton, ND until the age of 6 when his parents moved the family to San Diego. Except for a brief period in college, he stayed in San Diego his entire life and loved his hometown.
John is a graduate of Hilltop High School in Chula Vista and St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. John worked at a number of banking institutions after college and landed in the mortgage industry where he had a successful career for over two decades. During that time he traveled extensively, often on trips he had earned through work competitions. He also took multiple trips to Ireland, and enjoyed visiting places in the country where the O’Connor and Bresnahan families had originated.
John’s life is marked by his generosity. He took a sincere interest in helping people, both in his career and personal life. He hosted large gatherings at his home overlooking Tecolote Canyon. Rich or poor, all were welcome at his table.
John is survived by his six siblings, George (Isa), Brennan (Janet), Ned (Yayoi) and sisters Patricia, Amy and Mary (John). He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, David and Veronica Aranzubia, Anna and Karen Bresnahan, Patrick and Jane Dakin and Georgie and Angie Bresnahan. John’s girlfriend of many years, Tina Sipe, remained his constant companion. He also had many close friends that felt like family. John had two uncles (Ellery Bresnahan and Daniel O’Connor) and an aunt (Patricia Fisher), together with 64 first cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, George (d. 1981) and Jane (d. 2009, to whom he was a devoted son), as well as eight uncles and four aunts.
John, your death has left us bereft, with pain as deep as the canyon your home overlooked. May the communion of saints welcome you to the gates of heaven and may perpetual light shine upon you now and forever.
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