Andrew Brennan

1939 - 2022

Andrew James Brennan, 83, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022. He will be dearly missed by his wife Adrienne (Lopenzina) Brennan, their children Gregory (Tian) Brennan, Brigitte (Tom) Underwood and Kristen (Dirk) Nowka. Grandchildren Matthew, Andrew, Nicholas, Luke Underwood, Chloe, Lily, Avery, Charlotte Nowka. Andy was born in 1939 in Conshohocken, PA. He spent much of his early childhood with his grandfather learning how to build, fix and complete home repairs. Andy developed a life-long quality of being handy. He could repair cars, build decks and enjoyed gardening. In his early years, he was involved in scouting where he developed his love of outdoors and hiking. Scouting taught him many lessons about nature, animals, conservation and survival - lessons he would pass on to his children. Andy attended Roman Catholic High School, in Philadelphia where he would go on to letter in varsity football. He earned a football scholarship to C.W. Post/Long Island University where he also completed his MBA. It was at C.W.Post College where he met Adrienne and they were married in 1963. After graduating, Andy joined the Marine Corps where he became a Marine Corp's Officer, who would serve as an aerial observer in Vietnam. He flew combat missions between March 1964-1965 and would later train other aerial observers before finishing his tour of duty. He was awarded the gold star in recognition of meritorious service while performing combat support missions. Upon returning home Andy began a career in the corporate world. He took many of the skills he acquired as a Marine Corps Officer – goal setting, planning, leadership, responsibility for results and parlayed them into a successful corporate career that would eventually land him in executive positions in the beverage industry. These positions offered the opportunity for extensive travels through Europe and Asia. Andy was Senior Vice President in charge of sales for the Seven Up Company and later was the Executive Vice President of Guinness Import Company in the US. He then took an executive position with the Labatt Brewing Company and Interbrew, a global beverage conglomerate. He and Adrienne spent several years in South Korea where he was VP of OB Lager. They returned to the US and chose Lyme, CT as the place they would retire. Andy spent much of his time doing the things he loved. He continued running, spent time hiking the conservation trails, gardening, sketching and painting, playing golf and traveling with Adrienne and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also spent a significant amount of time working with the VFW Post 1467 in Lyme/Old Lyme. He had a heart to serve the community and integrate veterans returning home from foreign wars back into civilian life. He also organized fundraisers to raise money for Fisher House Foundation which provides military and veteran families a place to stay while a loved one is in the hospital. He was a natural leader and people liked being around him. His family and close friends were extremely important to him. He greeted you with a smile and handshake or a hug and made everyone feel welcome. He was interested in what you had to say. He was a man of integrity. People were easily drawn to him and he genuinely enjoyed connecting with those around him. He gave his wife of 59 years, children and grandchildren an amazing life full of wonderful opportunities and memories. He always put his family first. He will be missed immensely by all those who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 20th at 11:00 a.m. directly in Christ The King Church, Old Lyme, CT. A reception to immediately to follow in the church Reception Hall. Burial with full Military Honors will be held following the reception at 3:00 p.m. in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW Post #1467, P.O. Box192, Old Lyme, CT 06371.