Joseph Ryan Bresnahan, Sr., 86, of Wolfeboro, NH and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida passed away unexpectedly at Holy Cross Hospital in Florida on January 6, 2026 with his loving wife of 62 years, Jane, by his side.
Joe was born in Haverhill, MA on July 28, 1939 to Joseph J. and Helen (Levis) Bresnahan. Joe was raised in Bradford. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School, Danvers, MA in 1959 and St. Anselm’s College, Manchester, NH in 1963. Joe and Jane married April 27, 1963. He was the owner of J. Bresnahan Company of Haverhill, Massachusetts and Plaistow, New Hampshire, a company founded by his grandfather in 1890. He expanded the moving and storage business to include self-storage and worked with dedication side by side with his son, Joe, and later his grandsons, Joey and John, until retiring at the age of 75. His son and grandsons proudly continue the multi-generational family business in which he took great pride. Joe happily retired to the beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL during the winter months while spending summers at his home on Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro, NH, which he often referred to as “God’s Country”. Joe was a member of the Haverhill Lodge of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Kingswood Golf Club, Wolfeboro, NH and Palm Aire Golf Club, Pompano, Florida.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jane (Baker) Bresnahan; his daughter, Karen Bresnahan of San Ramon, CA; his daughter Kimberly Dikeman (Craig) of Pepperell, MA, and his son, Joseph R. Bresnahan, Jr. (Karen) of Atkinson, NH. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Sean O’Connell (Drew), Brian O’Connell, Reed O’Connell, Joseph R. Bresnahan, III, John Bresnahan, Rylee Bresnahan, and his great granddaughter, Caitlin O’Connell. He is also survived by his sister, Helen McKittrick (Joe). His sister, Mary Ellen LeBlanc (Don) predeceased him in 2021.
Visitation will be at the Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill, MA on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. A Celebration of Life Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Hearts Church, 165 South Main Street, Bradford, MA on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burn Institute – Shriner’s Children’s Boston, Office of Philanthropy, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 or donate.shrinerschildrens.org Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com of Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.
0 Comments
My sincere condolences to the Bresnahan family. I got to know Joe Sr and Jr when they would stop by the General Store in North Andover. He was probably the only person that I ever met who always purchased his favorite sandwich LIVERWURST. Deeply sorry for your loss.
Joe was my friend at the Palm Aire Golf Course. Joe and I had a standing tee time every Wednesday. I met Joey through a mutual friend, Mike Geaney, who had been golfing with joe for some time before I came to Florida.
Joe was a fun person to be around. He and I laughed through golf rounds every week. I looked forward to seeing him every Wednesday and had the honor of meeting Jane when she would pick him up. I miss Joe very much and will always remember his smile, his laugh and his friendship.
Add Comment