Cornelius "Niall" Bresnan

Cornelius Niall Bresnan, 83, of New Fairfield, died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, at Danbury Hospital on June 24, 2022.

Niall was born on July 15, 1938, in Herbertstown, Co. Limerick, Ireland, to John and Eileen (Dooley) Bresnan.

Niall is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty) Clarke Bresnan, daughters Janet (Paul) DaSilva, Nancy (Ken) Winkler, Susan (Michael) Kessman, Eileen Bresnan, and Elizabeth (George) Bresnan, son-in-law Michael Bradley, grandchildren; Gavin, Emma, Cara, Patrick, Grace, Charlie and Luke, sister Hannah Meade and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Sheila Bresnan-Bradley, his parents, seven siblings, and nephew.

After leaving Ireland at age 18, Niall joined the British Army, serving as a military police officer. In England, Niall learned to train greyhounds, and stories of his dog Mischievous Molly came to be.

Niall joined his brothers in America in 1961. At a dance in Gaelic Park in 1962, he met Betty, and their beautiful love story began. A story they told together for 58 years – with many chapters and many pages. Hand in hand they built a wonderful life together. One that was constructed on a foundation of faith, love, and respect.  

In 1968 Niall and his business partner, Eugene Clancy, purchased Clancy Cullen Moving and Storage in the Bronx. They later bought Prisco Moving and Storage in Patterson, New York. He impacted many through his years as co-owner and president of the moving companies. He was not only a leader but a mentor and confidant. Niall taught many, especially his children, that a strong work ethic will always endure.

A devout catholic, Niall was an active member of St. James the Apostle in Carmel, New York, Holy Trinity Parish in Sherman, Connecticut, and most recently St. Edwards the Confessor in New Fairfield, Connecticut.

With a quiet disposition, he was a very charismatic man; Niall was a brilliant storyteller with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Those close to him were often regaled with stories of him and his brothers and the antics they got into during a simpler time in Ireland or his early days in America.

An avid golfer, Niall had the privilege of playing some of the top golf courses in the world. He was a founding member of The Links at Union Vale. Niall’s passion for golf quickly became a family event as his daughters and sons-in-law played. Niall’s love for golf has even been passed down to his grandchildren. Spending time with his family while playing a game he loved so much brought him great joy.

Niall lived a beautiful and full life. Tough times were met with strength and perseverance. Happy times were rejoiced and relished. Niall was a loving husband, father, Poppie, and friend to all – his presence was strong, time spent with him was cherished, and he will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 10:30 AM in St. Edward the Confessor Church, 21 Brush Hill Rd., New Fairfield with the Rev. Paul G. Murphy, officiating.

Interment will follow in North Cemetery, Sherman, CT.

The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Ave., Danbury on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, between the hours of 4 PM and 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. 

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