Denis J. Brosnan, 84, of Worcester, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006 after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 51 years, Nancy V. (Laukaitis) Brosnan; five children, Kathleen N. and her husband Antonio M. Galante of West Boylston, Dennis J. Brosnan Jr. and his wife Elizabeth Brosnan of Sturbridge, Sean P. and his wife Lori Brosnan of Andover, Eileen M. Brosnan, and Maureen N. and her husband Lou Spiridigliozzi of West Boylston; 11 grandchildren, Michael and Christine Galante, Dennis J. Brosnan III, Kaitlin and Patrick Brosnan, Justin and Griffin Brosnan, Liam, Brianna and Ainsley Brosnan, and Elisia Spiridigliozzi; a brother Patrick Brosnan of Leicester; a sister, Bridget Hallinan of Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland.

He was born in Newmarket in Ireland, and was educated in Ireland before moving to Worcester in 1947. In Worcester, he took courses at the Trade School.

Denis was a welder for 37 years for the Holmes Transportation Co., maintaining and repairing the company’s equipment and facilities. He held a second class fireman’s license. He retired in 1984.

Many years ago, he played for hurling clubs in Ireland and New England. He was a past president of the Irish-American Social Club of Worcester.

Denis was completely devoted to his family and especially enjoyed taking care of his home and gardens.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Friday, December 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, Dec. 16 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. The family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.