MIDDLEBURY- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Francis G. Brennan, age 91, of Middlebury, share the news of his peaceful passing on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Vitas Inpatient Unit of St Mary’s Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Mary (Sullivan) Brennan, the love of his life, to whom he was married to for 67 years.

Fran was born on October 8, 1934, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the son of the late Francis X. Brennan and Mae (Reid) Brennan. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and graduated from Providence College where he proudly served as Class President 1957. Fran proudly served his country in the United States Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso TX and his commitment to his country continued as he was appointed by the Governor in 1996 as a member of the CT National Guard and rose to the rank of Major. His lifetime commitment to education was unwavering. He furthered his academic journey at Southern Connecticut State University, earning a master’s degree in education and a sixth-year certificate. 

For Fran, teaching was not just his profession — it was his life’s calling. Every lesson he taught, every student he encouraged, was part of a lifelong devotion to helping young people grow, learn, and believe in themselves. His life’s work was measured not in years, but in the countless students who left his classroom more confident, more curious, and more hopeful than when they arrived. Fran was always active in politics and was intricately involved in many local, city, and state political campaigns and activities throughout his career. He served as President of the local Board of Education in Waterbury in the 1960’s. He dedicated numerous years to shaping young minds within the Waterbury School System, where he held significant roles as a teacher and administrator, including vice principal of Kennedy High School and principal of Wilby High School. Fran could not rest after his long and successful tenure with the city. He served as Director of the UCONN Waterbury campus for six years. Later, he taught several classes throughout the UCONN system as well as at Post College.

His commitment to his faith was equally strong as Fran was a devoted Eucharistic Minister at St. John of the Cross in Middlebury, a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Middlebury Lion’s Club. An avid Boston Red Sox fan, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including his love for creating art, gardening, and collecting stamps, coins, and political memorabilia and buttons of which he had an extensive collection, not to mention his love for a great bowl of clam chowder. He cherished his adventures, especially those that took him to Ireland and our nation’s beautiful national parks. Fran was exceptional in almost every way, Above all, though, he was devoted to his family. His pride in being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was evident in every moment spent cheering at sporting events, attending graduations and celebrating milestones alongside his loved ones. His family expresses their profound gratitude for the time they spent together, the love they shared, the memories achieved, the blessed life together and the support of so many great friends.His legacy will live on through the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the love that he shared. His life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of family and honor of serving his community and country. May he find eternal rest and peace beyond measure and may he never be forgotten.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory, besides his wife of 67+ years, Mary, are his children; Lisa Gunville and her husband David of Bridgton, Maine, Mark F. Brennan of Middlebury and Thomas Brennan and his wife Denise of Durham, his grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Michael, Nicholas, Matthew, Alyssa, Francis, Carolyn, Julia, Conner and Catherine, his great- grandchildren; River, Benjamin, Andrew, Beau, Cora and Nathan. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his daughter, Nancy B. Cocchiola just a few sad months ago as well as Nancy’s husband, Carmen.

Funeral services for Mr. Brennan will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint John Of The Cross 1263 West St, Middlebury, CT. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Military honors will be accorded to Mr. Brennan immediately following the church service. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may visit with the Brennan family on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705. To honor Francis’ memory and in lieu of flowers donations to The Nancy Cocchiola Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Kennedy High School 422 Highland Ave Waterbury CT 06708 would be greatly appreciated by his family. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral at www.caseyfunerals.com.