LTC FRANCIS X. BRENNAN

Brennan, LTC Francis X. Of Nashua, NH, formerly of Arlington. On April 7, 2015 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. His wife and daughter were at his side. He was 75 years old. Beloved husband of Maureen Manley Brennan, formerly of Arlington and devoted father of Tara Ellen Brennan of Nashua, NH. Dear Brother of Nancy Bilafer of Bedford, MA and several nieces and nephews. Noted school-boy athlete, he graduated Arlington High School in 1958. Franny is a graduate of the class of 1964, Norwich University in VT. He is recognized as a distinguished alum, a past member of the board of fellows, a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, and the single most decorated Viet Nam veteran to graduate from Norwich. Upon graduation he took a commission into the United States Army serving for close to twenty three years on active duty retiring as XO of the Tenth Special Forces Group, Ft. Devens, MA. He served at length in combat during the Viet Nam War with a number of infantry units and Fifth Special Forces Group. He is the recipient of numerous awards for Valor including two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and numerous other awards and commendations over the course of a long and successful military career. Upon retirement Fran entered the private sector working in the Security industry. A career shift following the completion of his third of four master's degrees led him to education where he taught at the college level before finally settling into the position of Dept. Chairperson of the Criminal Justice program at Marian Court College , a position he held with distinction for nearly two decades. Fran was involved with many civic and military organizations. Most notably among them are the Special Forces Association and Norwich University Alum. Visiting hours will be held at the Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Mass Ave., NORTH CAMBRIDGE on Friday from 4-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes' Church, Medford St., Arlington on Saturday at 10 am. Please go directly to church. Interment with military honors at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Maroon and Gold Athletic Assoc., Norwich University, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663, c/o Alumni Office. For obituary, directions or to send an online condolence visit www.keefefuneralhome.com