PhD Walter Luther Brenneman, Jr.Age: 80 • Montpelier, VTDr. Walter "Ted" Luther Brenneman, Jr, PhD, 80, died on Saturday, August 19th, at The Residence at Quarry Hill in South Burlington, VT.He was born on December 5, 1936, the son of Walter L. and Beatrice (Blouse) Brenneman in Harrisburg, PA.As a young man, Ted traveled throughout Europe with his good friend Zeke playing guitar at pubs. He attended Gettysburg College and received a Bachelor's degree in 1958. He received his Master's degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School and his PhD in Philosophy from the Union Institute in 1974.Ted taught at The Stowe School, Marlboro College, and retired as Professor Emeritus of Religion at the University of Vermont College of Arts and Sciences. He also authored several books on topics like the holy wells of Ireland, mythological symbolism, and religion. He enjoyed research and traveled extensively to Ireland and around the world. Ted and his wife Mary walked the Santiago Pilgrimage together and found time to run a dairy farm in Marshfield, VT for a number of years. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, kayaking, music, and loved all creatures.For many years Ted served as a Deacon for the St. Augustine Parish. Over the last year he was a member of the St. John Vianney Parish in South Burlington.On September 19, 1963, Ted married Mary Helen Gavin in Gettysbury, PA. She predeceased him on May 4, 2011.Survivors include his children, Leslie Wheelock and her husband, John of Colchester, VT, Laurie Covington and her husband, Steve of Palmdale, CA, Tracy Gandin and her husband, Dan of Leland, NC, Valerie Brock and her husband, Ronnie of Wilmington, NC, Robin Wright and his wife, Christine of Bailey, Colorado, and Gavin Wright and his wife, Karen of Essex, VT; eleven grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by one grandson, Owen Wheelock.Calling hours will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, August 24th at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am on Friday, August 25th at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier. Committal prayers will be offered immediately following the mass at the Doty Cemetery in East Montpelier.Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guar eandsons.com.Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Augustine's Soup Kitchen, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 or to www.foodforthepoor.org. Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.