John “Jack” Brennan 86, of Needham well known in the pharmaceutical industry and recognized as on of the top pharmacological experts in the country died on Tuesday December 16th at the Epoc at Brewster. Born in Boston Mr. Brennan attended Boston University. His career started with White Laboratories in Kenilworth New Jersey later bringing him to the Gray Pharmaceutical Co. in Newton. As President, he pioneered research and marketing of amino acid products for geriatrics; also developed the first amino acid product for liver disease and the first diagnostic test for liver disease. In 1959 Mr. Brennan founded the Hoyt Pharmaceutical Corporation in Needham. He was responsible for the research, development and marketing of the first fluoride products for pediatrics, general medicine and dentistry. He later merged with the Pharmaceutical Division of the Kendall Company in Boston. From 1965 to 1971 he was CEO and and general manager responsible for the total operation, including marketing, development, finance and manufacturing. In 1971 he went to the Forsyth Dental Center in Boston as Special Assistant to the Director, holding numerous positions, Director of Development and Public Affairs, Department Head of many committees, as well as Editor for the Forsyth Dental News. He retired in 1987. His associations were many, few being American Assoc. for Advance Science, American Pharmaceutical Assoc., American Assoc. of Dental Editors and International Assoc. for Dental Research. After his retirement he wrote numerous articles and syndicated columns for the Los Angles Times and later with the Boston Globe. A lot of his articles were under his pseudonym “Rex Medica”. Mr. Brennan was also an avid reader, loved to write and played, the piano, saxophone and clarinet. He was a former town Meeting Member for Needham and a member of the Needham Rotary Club. Jack leaves his beloved wife Alice (Hawes) of 61 years and his devoted daughter Elaine Brennan of Yarmouth Port. His many nieces and nephews also survive him. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Monday Dec 22nd at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church in Needham at 11:30 AM. Visiting at the hours at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave. Needham on Sunday from 4-7 PM. Interment will take place at the Needham Cemetery. Memorials in Jack’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association 20 Speen St. Framingham MA 01701.