Louis V Brence

Louis V. Brence, 98, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, passed away on January 14, 2021. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. Louis was born on July 13th,1922 to Aloyza and Joseph Brence, Slovenian immigrants, in Lloydell, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Beaverdale High School as valedictorian and enlisted in the Navy in 1940.
Louis served as the Chief Radio Operator on the U.S.S. Pensacola during WWII including the battle of Midway. He was instrumental in picking up an SOS call from a downed pilot, who was then rescued. Louis loved to dance and did so with Rita Hayworth aboard his ship in 1941. Later, he served on the USS Fall River, and witnessed Operation Crossroads, the underwater atomic bomb tests on the Bikini Atoll.
After leaving active service in the Navy, Louis graduated from Harvard College in 1950 with honors. He graduated from Georgetown Law School in 1953 third in his class and was admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania. Louis went on to become a successful executive at several commercial insurance companies.
Louis married Catherine Kelly of Ridley Park PA in 1954, who predeceased him. He was a remarkably loving and devoted spouse and a wonderful father. He is survived by his children Lili White (Marc Silverman), John (Julie Karns), Anne (Gregory Leisure), and Christopher (Laura-Marie), seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
As a youth, Louis loved playing mandolin and banjo at local celebrations. He enjoyed reading plays, prose and poetry, learning Italian and exploring studio art painting courses. He was an active member of the St. Madeline Catholic Church choir, and taught religion in the parish school. He was a wonderful storyteller, loved to provide encouragement, was generous with compliments, and smiled often. His oldest grandson described him as a “happy guy.” He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Due to COVID restrictions there will be a private family service followed by internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Louis’ memory to The Foundation of Morris Hall/St. Lawrence Inc., One Bishops Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.