ROCHESTER - Brian Paul Brennan, 79, passed away at home on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 following a long illness. His faith and courage comfort his family, who will miss him dearly.

A lifelong resident of Rochester, Brian was born on Dec. 2, 1940 to James and Pauline (Dubois) Brennan. Brian graduated from Spaulding High School, Class of 1959, then the University of New Hampshire, Class of 1963, where he majored in History with a degree in Education.

His teaching career of 36 years was spent at Portsmouth High School, where he served several years as Department Chair of Social Studies. He especially enjoyed his opportunities to travel abroad as co-advisor to the Junior World Council as well as co-advisor to several high-school classes.

Always interested in politics, he helped organize Rochester Young Democrats before beginning a 40-year career as an election official of Ward 2, both as a selectman and moderator.

Among other civic duties, Brian was proud of being a member of the Rochester Housing Authority when Wyandotte Mill was converted to apartments. He also served as a trustee of the Trust Funds helping to facilitate the writing of Rochester's history, updating the original volume.

Married for 56 years to Diane Gilbert Brennan, he leaves his wife, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jon Mendenhall, and his two beloved grandchildren, Carter and Grace Mendenhall. In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Doris Gilbert and special sister-in-law, Jackie Brennan as well as several nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond.

He is predeceased by his parents, his daughter Kelly, and his brothers and sisters: James J. Brennan, June B. McCarthy, Thomas J. Brennan, Mary A. Kelly and J. Richard Brennan.

SERVICES: Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 71 Lowell St., Rochester, N.H. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m.

Donations may be made in Brian's memory to the Pope Memorial Humane Society, 221 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820-6028.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.edgerlyfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Brennan

Sponsored by R. M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home.

15 Entries

March 7, 2020

I will always remember Mr.Brennan teaching at Portsmouth High School during Watergate. Every day it was something new to learn about. Rest In Peace. 1974 Portsmouth High Graduate.

Bill Schwalm

March 7, 2020

I'm sad and startled to see that Mr. Brennan has passed away. He was practice teaching to complete a degree when he taught the world history class I was in in 1962-3. I remember a dapper, young, energetic teacher just starting out. I am retiring from a life of teaching myself this year. Life passes so quickly. So sorry to hear Mr. Brennan is no longer with us. Bill Schwalm.

March 1, 2020

Diane, Karen, and Aunt Doris, we are heartbroken for your loss of Brian.. We are thinking of you and will continue to do so through prayer. Sharon (Lachance) and George Bonney

February 27, 2020

Diane, sorry to here that Brian passed away. Steve Trafton.

Bob and Marilyn Berry

February 26, 2020

Dear Diane and family, We are so sorry to hear of Brian's passing and would definitely attend his upcoming services if we were not away. He was truly a special classmate and friend and even though we from SHS Class of 1959 do not always see each other often, there is always a special place in our hearts for each and every one who were like family during our high school years. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. So very sad for you all. God bless and keep you. Bob (Cider)and Marilyn Berry

Bobby Gilbert

February 26, 2020

To Diane,Karen,Aunt Doris and the rest of the family our deepest sympathy and sorrow for the passing of Brian .He was a great Husband,Father and Grandfather.He will be missed and his memories will enable you all thru these trying times. God bless you all

Michelle (Ouellette) Tocci

February 26, 2020

Karen and family, I'm so sorry for your loss.

William Murphy

February 25, 2020

Remembering rides with my Mother and Brian to PHS for many years. So sorry for your loss.

WAYNE RODGERS

February 24, 2020

Best teacher I had in High School.

Thom Scagliotti

February 24, 2020

To the Brennan Family,
I've known Brian since I was a child at St. Mary's Church and I am saddened to learn of his passing...remember the good times...Peace!

Cherie Dale

February 24, 2020

You have my sincerest condolences. I may have been in one of his first classes at PHS. What a spark and light he cast.

I pray for peace for your family and am so glad to know of Brian's faith.

Sincerely,

Cherie Dale (PHS Class of 1967)

Ann Boulanger

February 24, 2020

Dear Diane, Karen and the rest of the family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Brian was my friend, my co-worker, my boss and my fellow traveler on many trips with PHS students. This year would be the 45 anniversary of a trip to Ireland with 38 others. How he enjoyed that trip. Well in a few weeks I am returning and will raise a Guinness in his memory.
I am so very sorry.

Karl and Lucille Stevens

February 24, 2020

Diane, we are so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May he RIP.

Deborah Flagg

February 23, 2020

Karen, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's death. He was a very pleasant man and I enjoyed meeting him recently in the hospital. Hugs to you and your family.
Debbi Lee Flagg

Gail Wasiewski

February 22, 2020

So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family.

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