Monsignor John J Brinn, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on October 31st 2022. He was 85 years old. He is predeceased by his parents John and Bella Brinn, as well as his sister and brother, Nora Mary and James Brinn of NY. He is survived by numerous cousins in the NY area, Texas, and North Carolina. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School in NYC and Dunwoodie Seminary in Yonkers, NY. He was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on June 2, 1962.
He first assignment was to St Peter’s in Liberty, NY from 1962-1965. Msgr Brinn was named Parochial Vicar of St Martin de Porrez in Poughkeepsie, NY, in 1965, where he was named pastor in 1983 and remained until 1994, at which time he was reassigned to St Mary’s in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Msgr Brinn was quite generous with his time, talent, and financial support in many community endeavors. He was a weekly visitor to the Dutchess County jail where he ministered to the inmates. He welcomed and worked with Poughkeepsie’s Hispanic community, and he was a strong supporter of Catholic Charities in Dutchess County and the NY Archdiocese. He was a major benefactor to Our Lady of Lourdes’ High School and St Peter’s Elementary School, both in Poughkeepsie, NY. St Peter’s was able to have its first computer room due to his efforts. He also funded a scholarship at Marist College for Campus Ministry students.
His contributions to the Poughkeepsie community were extensive but none more important than the countless souls that he mentored and saved. He developed special and lasting relationships with countless parishioners through the years; relationships that were very dear to him.
Throughout the years he stayed quite active in sports and recreation. He was an ardent cyclist and hiker. His cycling trips included his annual 50 mile, 2,000 feet above sea level trek from Poughkeepsie to Haines Falls, NY to visit his Aunt Anna and Uncle PJ. He shared his love of nature and hiking with many young cousins, often leading them on long, scenic, and challenging, hikes around Katterskill Falls. Msgr Brinn was an avid golfer who was very proud of his hole in one and enjoyed competing regularly with Bishop Mestice on the McCann golf course in Poughkeepsie. He also enjoyed visiting the museums in Manhattan, particularly, small, obscure ones, his favorite being the Forbes Magazine Museum, which housed everything from European masterpieces to British military artifacts.
Msgr Brinn’s final years were spent in retirement in the Cardinal O’Connor retirement residence. He was able to spend his final years in the same place he was born, in the Bronx. He was very happy there and his family is very appreciative of the wonderful care he received there.
Viewing is 9-10AM, Thursday, November 3rd 2022 at the Cardinal O’Connor retirement residence in Bronx, NY. Mass of Christian Burial 10 am. Interment at St Raymond’s cemetery in the Bronx.