Glenn A. Bredder peacefully departed this earthly life on January 28, 2023, lovingly surrounded by his wife, Mary Jane, and their family.
Glenn was born on December 11, 1951, and spent his childhood in Landing NJ, Morristown, NJ and Winston Salem, NC. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, and later earned his Professional Engineer license which provided him a successful and diverse career.
From a young age, Glenn loved water skiing (a sport in which he perfected the art of “dropping a ski”), fixing cars, and tackling any home project that crossed his path. Glenn’s purest source of fulfillment and purpose, though, was family. He married the love of his life, Mary Jane, on October 9, 1982, and delighted in raising their three sons together. Glenn coached the boys’ baseball and soccer teams when they were young, and even claimed to enjoy listening to their “garage bands” and drum practice sessions when they were in high school. Teaching and watching his youngest son learn to water ski and wakeboard gave him much happiness. Ever youthful himself, Glenn never encountered a lake he didn’t want to swim or boat in. He enjoyed playing chess or poker when he was feeling mischievous. Glenn will be remembered as a natural optimist, an incredible joke teller, a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father. He was, simply and unequivocally, one of the good guys.
For the last 14 years of his life, Glenn bravely battled Parkinson’s Disease; an illness which increasingly compromised his health – but never his wit, his contagious laugh, or his ability to convey loving sentiments to those lucky enough to find themselves in his company.
Glenn is survived by his wife and best friend of 40 years, Mary Jane; three sons Paul (Ariel); Eric (Mary); and Conor (Ellie); grandchildren Emmett, Joel, Janie and Ben; sister June Berthelsen (Wayne); sister-in-law Danene Doto (Frank); brothers-in-law Edward Curtin (Betty) and Daniel Curtin Jr.; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and grandson Thomas.
The family would like to express their profound gratitude to Hospice of the Piedmont for providing loving, compassionate care, with special thanks to Dr. W. Anderson for his invaluable support and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Piedmont, Charlottesville VA (hopva.org). A private ceremony will be held at a later date.