In loving memory of

Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr
February 18, 1935 - November 29, 2014

Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr., passed away on November 29, 2014 at the Rhode Island Veteran's Home in Bristol, RI. The wake will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the Memorial Funeral Home - 375 Broadway - Newport, RI from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be conducted at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 12 William Street, Newport, RI on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 10am. A graveside interment service with full military honors will follow in St. Columba Catholic Cemetery located at 465 Brown's Lane, Middletown, RI.Dr. Brennan was born in Newport, RI on February 18, 1935 to Michael J. Brennan Sr. and Isabel (Frazier) Brennan. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Brennan, his children, Michael J. Brennan III, Stephen P. Brennan, Kevin F. Brennan, Christopher S. Brennan and his daughter, Susan A. Brennan Beard, his former wife and mother of his children, Anne M. (Buckley) Collins. He is the grandfather to four grandsons and six granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents.Dr. Brennan was a lifelong Rhode Islander and a lifelong resident of Newport. He grew up in the 5th ward of Newport and graduated from De La Salle High School in 1952. He attended The College of The Holy Cross of Worcester, MA and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He continued his education at Tufts University in Boston, MA where he graduated in 1960 with a Doctorate in Dentistry. Dr. Brennan then joined the US Army Medical Corp and served two years active duty and six years in the US Army Reserve. He separated from the US Army with an honorable discharge in 1968. Dr. Brennan practiced Dentistry in the US Army and in Newport, RI until the late 1980s. Additionally, he provided dental consultancy to the Ladd School in Exeter, RI.Dr. Brennan retired from dentistry and discovered a new passion as a school teacher. He worked for the Portsmouth School System and also donated his time as a baseball and golf coach. He loved teaching young people about Science and was especially passionate about Astronomy and Oceanography.Dr. Brennan's sense of service to community was evident in his participation with many organizations and stewardship activities. He was an inactive 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of The Ancient Order of Hibernians and a member of the Kiwanis Club. He served as Chairman of the Heart Association fund raising efforts in 1976. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1976 and was involved in politics at the local, county and state level for many years. Dr. Brennan had a strong Catholic faith and was very active as a lector at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.In his leisure, Dr. Brennan was an avid golfer and lifetime member of Wanumetonomy Golf Club in Middletown, RI. He was a huge New England sports fan and passed on his passion for the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics to his children.The Brennan family wishes to thank the staff at the Rhode Island Veteran's Home in Bristol, RI for the loving care they provided. In lieu of flowers and in accordance with Dr. Brennan's wishes, please send donations to either The College of the Holy Cross Alumni Association c/o The College of the Holy Cross, P.O. Box DEV, 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 12 William Street, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation DEC 4. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service DEC 5. 10:00 AM St. Marys Catholic Church 12 William Street Newport, RI, US, 02840

Tributes

David Carlin - December 09, 20.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Brennan family:Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Dr. Brennan. A fine Newporter, Catholic gentleman, family man, former Newport School Committee member and great champion of education. May God Bless him and the entire family. Carlin familyNewport"

Sheila Collins - December 04, .. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Dr Brennan was a wonderful teacher and mentor at Portsmouth Middle School. He taught all our four children. He willing accepted our Michael, with his special needs into his science class and totally included him with everything the students did. He made learning fun. He was always a friend to Michael and our other children. He deeply touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He truly made a difference in this world. Our deepest sympathy goes to his dear family and friends.Sincerely,Charles, Sheila, Michael, Corey, Conor and Katie Collins"

Mario M. - December 04, 2014 a.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Mario M. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr.."

December 03, 2014 at 02:35 PM wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr.."

Amy - December 03, 2014 at 11:.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Amy lit a candle in memory of Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr."

michael wysopal - December 03,.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Dear Brennan family and extended family & friends of "Doc," my deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to you. May you find peace and strength and comfort in each other. Know that all the "Chicago boys" are thinking of you. -Mike Wysopal "w'"

December 03, 2014 at 10:20 AM wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr.."

J. Richard Durnan, DDS - Decem.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Dear Helen,From our days together as pre-dental students in BS Bio at Holy Cross to the last time I got back to Newport and visited Mike at the R.I. Veterans Home, he was always a larger-than-life person, enthusiastic, hard-working and able to see the humor and irony in life. My sincere condoleances to you and your family,Dick Durnan"

Jeff Field - December 02, 2014.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Helen and Family, My heartfelt sympathy for your loss.I have so many fond memories that I can only smile knowing what a true gentleman Dr. Brennan is.Thank you Helen for yours and Mikes friendship! Jeff Field"

Kathy Condry - December 02, 20.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"My dear Helen: Our deepest sympathy to you & your family & your extended family.Keep & relive all your happy times together. You are in our thoughts & God Bless you all. Love: Kathy & Dan"

Tracy O''Malley - December 02,.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Tracy O'Malley lit a candle in memory of Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr."

December 02, 2014 at 02:36 PM wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr.."

Andy Kane - December 02, 2014 .. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"To the family: Doc was a great man. My prayers and thoughts go out to you all !"

PATRICK F. MURPHY - December 0.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"ON BEHALF OF THE MUSEUM OF NEWPORT IRISH HISTORY AND THE MURPHY FAMILY OF FIFTH WARD SQUARE, CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE BRENNAN FAMILY. MICHAEL WAS A DOCENT FOR THE MUSEUM AND A GREAT DOCTOR FOR OUR LATE MOTHER, MARY ANNE. MAY GOD HOLD MICHAEL AND ALL THE BRENNANS IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."

Rian Wilkinson - December 02, .. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Rian Wilkinson lit a candle in memory of Dr. Michael James "Doc" Brennan, Jr."

Amy Koziara - December 01, 201.. wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"Dr. Brennan had a big heart, a wonderful laugh, and gave great hugs. He will be missed dearly. - Amy Koziara"