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The Belmont Elementary School community is reeling from the unexpected death of its PTA president, Alan F. Brenner.

He is survived by his wife Andrea and children William, Adina and Joshua, all students at Belmont.

Belmont Principal Peter Bray said that Brenner went into the hospital for surgery on a benign brain tumor, but did not survive. He died on Oct. 22.

"He didn't tell us about the brain tumor until the last minute because that's just the kind of person he was," Bray said. "I recently had surgery, and he was more worried about checking on me, just because he was a kind and good person."

Brenner's wife could not be reached for comment by press time Tuesday.

Bray said that Brenner had been involved at the school for a number of years and assumed the role of PTA president 15 months ago.

"He was very energetic and very devoted to his family and to this school," Bray said.

Bray said that Brenner's children are back at school and doing well.

"We're trying to normalize events at school as much as humanly possible," he said. "We've had grief counselors in to talk with all the students and the teachers since so many had gotten to know the family well."

Bray said that this month's PTA meeting will be more social than business in nature, offering people an opportunity to talk about Brenner him.

The PTA is working on plans for a fundraiser to be held in Brenner's honor later in the school year.

"We think the proceeds will go towards the Autism Society, since that was one of his pet projects, but we really have made no final decisions at this point," Bray said.