David A Bren

Monson-With sadness we announce the passing of David A. Bren of Monson and Buzzard’s Bay, Mass. on July 4th, 2024 at the age of 77. When the checkered flag was waved on his race, David crossed the finish line peacefully, knowing his engine could no longer keep up despite his exceptional abilities. He will be lovingly be remembered by his wife and crew chief of over 46 years, Marie (Coggeshall) and his pit crew, sons Michael (Heather) of Burrillville, R.I. and John (Lauren) of Huntingtown, Md. and daughter Christine (Todd) of Hampton, N.Y. Also by his six grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as “Grumpy”, Madelyn, Theodore, Caeden, Patrick, Calen and Cameron, and his brother Warren of Monson, Mass. as well as his many nieces and nephews in his extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Jean (Goodrich) Bren, his brother Gordon and his dogs Cody, Sandy, Prince, Misty and Peanuts.

Dave lived his entire life in his hometown of Monson, Mass. with the exception of his stint serving in the U.S. Navy. While serving his country he particularly enjoyed his time being stationed in Iceland and St. Martin, where he was known to both his fellow servicemen and locals as someone who could lift your spirits with either a quick joke or by cracking them a beer.

Following his time in the service, Dave returned to Monson and opened D&M Auto repair before relocating his business to Palmer, Mass. His skills with a wrench, head full of endless knowledge and unrelenting desire to make sure everyone could get to the destination they needed, helped him build a business that he ran for almost 50 years. He would fix your car, pump your gas, change your tire, rent you a U-Haul, sell you a car and plow your driveway. He was quick to offer a stranger a smile, a wave and conversation and even quicker to pet your dog or sneak it a snack or a treat.

Dave was an avid NASCAR fan and loved the beaches of Cape Cod, Daytona, Fla. and York, Maine. He always wanted to share one more seaside lunch and box of taffy with his wife, hear one more story of a triumph from his children, and to celebrate all of his grandchildren’s successes.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 5-8 at the funeral home. Services on Friday July 12, 2024 will begin at 10 am at the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at 11am at St Patrick’s Church 22 Green St in Monson. Burial will be private at The National Cemetery in Bourne MA.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Springfield Shriner Children’s Hospital 516 Carew Street Springfield, MA 01104.