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Michael Emmett Brennan
Michael Emmett Brennan
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Michael Brennan Obituary
His birth certificate said Michael Emmett Brennan, but everyone knew him as Mikey B. And if there was fun to be had, he would find it.
Growing up in a large Irish family in Queens, Mikey Brennan, 27, would delight in throwing a bucket of cold water on his brother Brian when he was in the shower. When his brother retaliated by smearing Vaseline in his hair, he could see the humor just as easily. "He looked like the Fonz for about three weeks," Mr. Brennan recalled. And he could keep a secret. "I found out about all these little pranks after the fact," said his mother, Eileen Walsh. "And I said, 'That's my Mike?' "
As a child he was fascinated with police officers and firefighters; his favorite television show was "CHiPs." So it was no surprise to his family when he left college in 1995 to become a firefighter. "He had a passion for it," Ms. Walsh said, adding that he was continually working to improve his skills. He answered the call on Sept. 11 with Ladder Company 4.
"I've never been in a fire," Mr. Brennan said, "but if I were, I would want Mikey to bring me out."
Yet his hard work never took the twinkle out of the eye of Mikey Brennan, an avid snowboarder and surfer who lived in Woodside, Queens. About a year ago at a family gathering, Ms. Walsh said, one of her daughters was talking about body piercing. "Oh, please, don't get your tongue pierced," Ms. Walsh pleaded. With that, everyone started laughing as Mikey Brennan stuck out his tongue to show off his brand-new stud.
"While living," Mr. Brennan said, "he lived."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kathleen Callaghan
June 20, 2025
Rest in peace Michael we often think of you and of your family sorry we never got to meet you from your Callaghan cousins in Fanad
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
November 20, 2024
Thinking of you today on your birthday, Mike.
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
November 20, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Mike! ❤
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
September 11, 2023
We miss you Mike! ❤
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Veronica
September 3, 2023
Thinking of you always. Wishing you could be hanging out by pool and having a beer with me. Love always
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
November 20, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday. ❤
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
November 20, 2021
Happy Birthday Mike! ❤
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
September 11, 2021
Mike, you are so loved and sorely missed today and always! ❤
Cindy Roe
September 2, 2021
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Alexandra Watts
October 17, 2019
I never got to meet you, but I love you mikey. I think about you every day. Tears fall down my face when I think of you. I wish you were still here with us. I hope your flying high up there
Josh C.
September 13, 2019
Today I climbed in honor of Mikey at the Denver 9/11 Stair Climb. I work for Aurora Fire on Engine Co. 4 so I felt a special connection to him as he was assigned to Ladder 4 that day. His legacy will live on and we will never forget.
The Kindred Family
March 1, 2019
We send our continued heartfelt condolences to your family. May God always give the needed strength to cope with such a very sad loss. Mike touched the lives of many many people and will always be remembered for the kind of person he was.
January 22, 2019
Love and miss you Mike. Thinking of you always. XO V
Del Newberry
May 2, 2018
I pause today to remember Mikey B. I hope we will honor his legacy by spreading good cheer, as he did. Much love from Texas,
Ronnie Brennan
November 26, 2017
I'm mot sure of the connection, but I know one is there... Fire Captain Ronnie Brennan
November 20, 2016
Happy birthday to you Mike. I know you have a big smile on your face today just like you always did. Your positive outlook and enjoyment of life is what has gotten me through tough times and helped me to learn to appreciated all I have and live life. Think of you every day. Till we meet again look over all of us. Xoxo V
October 28, 2016
Shortly after this terrible tragedy my mother phoned me to say I had lost 2 cousins (probably sons of my cousins) Michael Brennan and Daniel O'Callaghan. My father was Daniel Callaghan son of William Callaghan of Fannen Head, Donegal. My father had 10 brothers and almost all of them left Donegal. I am unsure of how we are related but I do know that Daniel is a very close image of my nephew Terry, son of my brother Daniel. Ever since this tragedy I have lit 2 candles for 9/11 in the memory of the 2 very brave cousins I never had the privilege to meet. I live in West Yorkshire, England and I am going to sponsor 2 stones on York Walls Postern Tower in their memory and a short commemoration will be put in a special book all of which can be viewed on line. Can anyone help me with details which should be included for this? My loving thoughts to all their families.
JOHN CALLAGHAN, WAKEFIELD, ENGLAND
Melinda Brennan
September 11, 2016
Miss you. Think of you always.
September 12, 2015
Miss you
September 8, 2015
Thinking of you Mike. So many memories-wish we could have a drink and share another laugh. One day my friend. xoxox
Matt Juarez
May 1, 2015
Hi, my name is Matt, i am a senior at Klein High School, in Houston TX. I am doing a memorial tribute video for my class, and was wondering if you/y'all would be able to help me with some more facts about Michael.
Michael really stood out to me because of his personality and firefighting, i too am like him, and also in the fire department here in klein, and it would be an honor to make a tribute to this hero.
I understand that this is a very sensitive subject, so i completely understand if you/y'all would not like to participate.
Thank you so much,
Matt
MItch
April 8, 2015
Hi my name is Mitch and I am researching Michael for a project and a trip. If you could share information on him as a person I would appreciate it. I am sorry for your loss and I will honor him.
November 20, 2014
Happy birthday Mike!! Wish I could be celebrating with you. Love and miss you every day. I know you are with Dad and that gives me peace. Until we meet again. Love Veronica
John Szczech
October 28, 2014
ALWAYS REMEMBER , NEVER FORGET !!!!!
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
September 12, 2014
Love and Miss you Mike. 13 years too soon. You are always in our hearts and minds. XO
Nancy Shean-weber
September 12, 2014
Michael, what an awesome guy. Personality, smarts and a good looker.. Just like the rest of his cousins:) my children and I speak of you often, your picture hangs prominat in our home. An angel watching over us. Your sisters and brothers carry on your Brennan name proudly and keep it perfectly polished as I am sure it will be past down to another to shine thru.
Your mom is one wonderful lady, strong,loving,witty and it's not hard to see between her and your dad where your wonderful zest for life came from. You ARE one of a kind CUZ..my forever hero, sitting along side of my first hero ... My Dad.... Tell my Uncle Mickey ( your dad). Thanks for always buying me the biggest presents in the store as a kid and sending me home from vists with arms full of anything I said I liked in your home in passing...
Hugs forever my cuz...hugs....
Brayden Hathaway
September 11, 2014
I ran today for the 9/11 patriot five k and I had Michael's name on my race bib. It was an honer running for Michael.
Melinda Brennan
September 11, 2014
Think of you on this day as I always do. Just found this site so I guess this is an appropriate time to share the poem I wrote 13 years ago right after that terrible day.
UNCLE MIKE - A HERO
Today we told our sons you died, and then we hugged them while they cried.
Someday we'll tell our daughters too, about Uncle Mike who they never knew.
Peter just looked up at us - his eyes were full of tears. I know how much he'll miss you - he has looked up to you for years.
Ryan cried and then he said, "I am as sad as I can be". He asked me for a picture of you that he could bring to school. I know he must have told all the kids his Uncle Mike is really cool.
We said to them don't be so sad - being a fireman was what you loved. Then we told them you're a HERO now - Uncle Mike will be watching from above.
We know that they will miss you - but your spirit will live on.
We'll do our best to show them signs that prove you're still around. A bird flies high - A star shines bright - A rainbow in the sky -- Boys, just look a little closer - it's Uncle Mike - He's saying Hi.
I know they adored you - I could see it in their eyes. I know they loved to be with you - like the visits to your truck. We know look at your pictures - they are taped up in their room. And we will always tell them just how much they meant to you.
We pray that you watch over them as they travel on through life. Give them strength and courage, be not afraid to take a stand. Give them hope they can believe in - on their journey to be men. And always let them sense that you will travel on with them.
Their father, he has said to them - be what you want to be. And if you choose to be a fireman, don't let fear stop your dream. For he has now met many other heroes during this terrible tragedy. Just make sure that you are happy - and so proud of you we'll be.
And I guess, for the rest of us, our lives have to go on. But now that you are gone - things will never be the same. And I know that we will all see tears at the mere mention of your name. But don't you worry Hammerhead, you'll hear your stories being told. And you know that there are many we'll still be telling when we're old.
From now on being a Brennan will never be the same. Since we now share that name with a HERO. And in our hearts you will remain.
Abigail Lin
May 6, 2014
My name is Abigail Lin, and I am a senior at Klein High School in Klein, TX. For a research project, I am creating a tribute to honor someone close to the September 11, 2001 tragic events at The World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. I have chosen to honor Michael Brennan with my tribute.
I am sure that the memory of the event is painful, so if you prefer not to participate as a source in my research, please know that I understand completely.
In order to properly honor Michael's life, I am seeking information regarding his interests. I would appreciate any pictures you could share of Michael. Please include, too, any memorable stories about him, details of his job, family, friends, accomplishments, and personality.
If you would like to have more information about the project, feel free to contact my English teacher, Ms. Lane, at [email protected].
Thank you so much for your time.
Abigail Lin
[email protected]
April 8, 2014
No one will truly know how huge a part of my life you were from your very beginning. I loved you all your life and think of you often sometimes smiling and sometimes not. God took you for a reason and that reason is you were only on loan here on earth just like us all. You did well.
Liz Heerey
January 4, 2014
RIP, Mike! May God bless you & your family!
November 20, 2013
Happy birthday love and miss you Mikey
lily
September 17, 2013
you were an amazing hero for what you did on 9/11. thank you.
L Rodriguez
September 12, 2013
Rest peacefully FF Brennan. And thank you.
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
September 11, 2013
12 years seems like yesterday. You are missed and loved more and more every year.
September 10, 2013
I cannot believe it has been 12 years. You are greatly missed and always on my mind and in my heart. Wish i could hear that voice and see that beautiful face. Love and miss you.
Laura
September 10, 2013
In remembrance of 9/11
September 10, 2013
So here we are again...another year has passed and more of us have left this earth. I hope you all are having a good time up there! Until we meet again friend, party on!
July 26, 2013
Bryan and Veronica are there now too....give them hugs from down here...until we meet again!
V
July 25, 2013
Give Dad a big birthday HUG and Kiss for me. Love and miss you both.
Barbara Boam
July 1, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #249) on 5/20/13 as a dedication to your life.
March 16, 2013
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope you and Dad are having a big party love and miss you both
Veronica
December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas Mike. Give Dad a big hug for me. Love and miss you.
Bobbi-Anne Lombardo
November 19, 2012
Wishing you a Happy Birthday in Heaven Mike! XoXo
November 19, 2012
Happy Birthday Mike
Hope Dad is throwing you a big party. love and miss you
Love Veronica
November 19, 2012
Happy Birthday Mike - Hope Dad is throwing you a big party. Love and miss you
love Veronica
Kelly Frawley
October 7, 2012
Thinking of you :-}
September 15, 2012
It was a clear day again...the 11th year in a row....we saw your fire house on the news...you were so brave...you are so missed...I will never forget!
--SB
KATHY SCHLOTTERBECK
September 11, 2012
WE REMEMBER RIP
Bobbi-Anne
September 11, 2012
Mike,
Hard to believe that 11 years has passed. You are forever in our hearts and minds. Love and Miss you Always.
Veronica Brennan
September 9, 2012
Hi Mike
Thinking about you as always but find comfort in knowing Dad is with you now. Give him a big hug for me I miss you both so much. Remember you are forever in our hearts and in the hearts of so many other people that did not have the chance to know you. Someone special has sponsored a cobblestone in your memory at the memorial. It is amazing to see how many lives you have touched. This is a hard week but I just think of that beautiful smile and it brings a smile to my face too. I know that you are watching over us until we meet again I love and miss you little (haha) brother love Veronica
June 14, 2012
Hey Mike, I never had a chance to meet you, but feel like i know you since Tim talks about you all the time :) I am honored to have our little guy named after you and can only hope that he leads his life as you did, enjoying every moment and touching all those you met along the way. We miss you. love, Eileen
Bobbi-Anne
April 19, 2012
Mike,
I just wanted you to know that I have been thinking of you these past few days. I know you were there to meet your Dad on April 14th...he must have heard you calling. I hope you are BOTH happy, smiling and resting peacefully. He, just like you, will be so greatly missed! xoxo
February 29, 2012
To The Family,
I never had the pleasure of meeting this young man but I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you. Here is a young man who had to be a caring person simply because he gave his life in an effort to save the lives of others. I may not have known him but he is a true "hero" in my eyes.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Bobbi-Anne
November 20, 2011
Happy Happy Birthday Mike! Thinking of you today and always! xoxo
November 20, 2011
Happy birthday Mike have a great one in heaven love and miss you Veronica
Cyncy Marshall
September 16, 2011
Mikey, I never met you but I wear your legacy braclet every single day. I also go to engine 54 ladder 4 everytime I'm in NYC.The FF's are always great to me and love that I respect and think of you daily. God bless you. Heaven has one hell of a fire department.
Bobbi-Anne
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you today Mike! Hugs and Kisses to you always.
The badge I carried 110 flights of stairs
Carol Matushak
September 11, 2011
Today in Wausau,Wisc. we had a Memorial Stair Climb for the Fallen Firemans Fund. We climbed 110 flights of stairs and carried with us a badge and picture of a fireman that perished on 9-11-01. After the climb we were able to read our firemans name and ring a silver firemans bell for them. I was climbing in memory of Michael! I almost quit but felt him pushing me to the end.
September 10, 2011
Love and miss you Mike. I know that you are always with us and your name in St Patricks brought a smile to our faces
Love always Veronica
September 10, 2011
10 years is a long time for such a short life. Missing you today, and always......
--SB
austen lewis
September 9, 2011
we all think you
Debra Joy
September 4, 2011
I wear Mike's 9/11 copper bracelet. Thinking of him and all the firefighters who died 10 years ago
Kerry Shean-Ellmer
May 5, 2011
Hey Mike, thinking of you today. Love and miss you cuz.
May 2, 2011
Thinking of you today. It has been tough day but a good one too. I know you are smiling down on all of us with your beautiful bigger than life smile.
Love V
May 1, 2011
it doesn't bring you back, but it feels good. love, brenda
April 13, 2011
never forgotten sweetheart
February 26, 2011
Thinking of you today
November 20, 2010
Happy Birthday Mike
Love
V
Shannon Kilcullen
September 14, 2010
Hey Mike! Its Shannon! Just thinking about you during this month. Hoping you are doing well and watching over us all! You are greatly missed always! You will never be forgotten. Until next time... Keep smiling!!
September 13, 2010
Mike,
Love and miss you brother. You will not be fogoten. Love, Des Gonzales
September 11, 2010
Love and miss you Mike. Life is not the same without you. You are greatly missed.
Love Veronica
September 10, 2010
dear mike
i dont know you but i am sorry
we r doing a class project about 9/11 and i picked you
September 6, 2010
Michael, The day is approaching and you are always on my mind and in my heart!
May 26, 2010
Hi Mike,
It's Mom and I've just finished reading all the beautiful entries everyone has written about you. I haven't been able to do that till now and I know you understand. Wow! what a wonderful gift God had given me to nurture and love. I knew you were funny, handsome, sensitive, caring and helpful, but to see how many lives you touched gives me comfort till we hug again. In my heart forever, Mom.
Melony Vinci
March 1, 2010
Hey Mike- it's Mel. Susies daughter. i was just sitten around and I thought about u. Ur face popped into my mind ( maybe it has sumthing to do with the fact i just reconnected with sum of the cuzzins like bobbi ann and bridget and everyone and i miss those days and u are so funny. i know ur well and in a safe place and kno that ur loved and missed so much...gone but not forgotten then say....
November 20, 2009
Happy Birthday Mike
Love and miss you.
Shannon
September 15, 2009
Michael... Im sorry I didnt write on the 11th but I was home under the weather. You were however in my thoughts as was your entire family. Miss you! Hope you are still smiling up there!
September 11, 2009
Mike
Thinking of you today and always. Love and miss you. Watch over us.
Love V
September 11, 2009
8 years later Mikey B...having a beer honoring how you lived you're life! We miss you brother.
September 11, 2009
May God bless your soul!
Chrissy Valentin
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you today!!
September 11, 2009
WTC-ground zero
Vesey-liberty-church-west Sts
New York, NY 10038
Dear mike Brennan,
I define a hero as a guy that helps you and takes care of you. It’s also someone you can look up to. That’s what you are to me. You took the risk to save other people’s lives on September 11, 2001. That shows you are a hero.
Mike had 4 kids and I wish them best luck with their life. Mike enjoyed surfing and snowboarding. Michael lived in Queens till he went to college to be a firefighter. He never was in a fire till September 11, 2001.
Thank you mike for being such a great man for are world. You risked your life to save another person in the USA. I wish your wife and kids a great rest of their life thank you again and gods bless America.
Sincerely,
Brenan gately
September 11, 2009
Forever in our hearts-love u Mikey B-
Rest in peace my dear friend!
September 10, 2009
8 years and it still seems like yesterday...Always on my mind, Always in my heart!
Basti
August 6, 2009
thanks to one of the heroes of the 11.9
r.i.p
December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Veronica
November 20, 2008
Happy Birthday. I am sure that you are celebrating and lighting up heaven with your smile.
Love and miss you.
V
Bobbi-Anne Brennan
November 20, 2008
Thinking of you today Mike...Happiest Birthday to you!!!!
All my Love...
October 6, 2008
October 6, 2008
Thank You
j repp
September 12, 2008
thank you for all you have done.
we will keep you in our prayers
Shannon Kilcullen
September 11, 2008
Hey Mikey! Just letting you know you are not and never will be forgotten! I hope you having a good time up there! We miss you more than you will ever know! Love,
Shannon
September 11, 2008
You Laughter will live with me Forever!!!! You could make anyone smile and Laugh even if they did not want to......Oh I would love to feed you Candy (M&M's) sugar would make you so hyper, it was a BLAST :) You Have Always Been A Great Guy, definetly a TRUE HERO in so many ways. Seven Years have past, it seems like yesterday. You are so Greatly Missed Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow, 4ever........
September 10, 2008
Love and miss you Mike everyday. Will be at Firehouse tomorrow to honor you and your brothers.
Love
V
Chrissy V
September 10, 2008
I will be thinking about you tomorrow. Until we meet again. We will never forget you.
NICK
April 14, 2008
THANK U FOR HELPING THOSE PEOPLE THAT WERE NEEDED FOR HELP DOING THE ATTACK ON NEW YORK ON SEPT. 11
Michael Brennan
March 15, 2008
I have your name but not your sacrifice.
God Bless
MICHAEL J Brennan
March 10, 2008
Hi Mike,
Please watch over us and help us through each day.
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