Brendan Michael Flannery

1950 - 2015

Brendan Michael Flannery of East Hampton passed away Monday, May 18, 2015, on his 65th birthday at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. Born on May 18, 1950 in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Winifred (Sweeney) and Anthony Flannery II. Brendan led an amazing and full life. As a corporate and charter pilot, most recently for GAMA Aviation but also notably for CIGNA Corporation and TLC Beatrice International Foods, he flew celebrities and billionaires to the far reaches of the world. But he never lost his love for home and family. Growing up with eight brothers and one sister and the "kids down the hill", his life began as an adventure and continued throughout his life. He always had a "project" for the times when he was not flying. He built several barns practically by hand, from felling the trees to erecting the beams to hammering the last nail. He built and groomed a baseball field of dreams in his back yard, Winnie's Field. He enjoyed riding his Harley, alone or with his wife on "Fly and Rides" across the country. He especially loved passing his construction and homeowner knowledge along to his beloved daughter and son. He served his country proudly and with distinction as a Combat Infantryman in Vietnam. He initially served with the 6/31 Inf, 9th Infantry Division. His demonstrated leadership led to his promotion to Sergeant soon after arriving in Vietnam. He was Wounded in Action and decorated with the Bronze Star with "V" device for Valor, when he fired mortars danger close to a patrol that was in heavy contact. He later went on to serve with the legendary 101st Airborne Division. Locally, he continued his service and volunteered for many leadership positions with the East Hampton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5095; and was instrumental along with several others in bringing the Cobra Helicopter to its final resting place at the Post. Brendan was also a long-time member of the East Hampton Zoning Board of Appeals. Brendan is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Karen Olson; his son, Kellen Flannery of Newton, MA; his daughter, Caitlin Flannery and her husband Jeffrey Howe, of Norwood, MA; his sister, Kathleen Flannery; his brothers and their wives, Kevin and Sharon Flannery, Keron Flannery, Brian and Ann Flannery, Owen and Dawn Flannery, Sean Flannery, Martin Flannery, Emmett Flannery, and Anthony III and Hope Flannery, all of East Hampton. A granddaughter is due to join the family in June. He also leaves his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Janice Olson and Bruce Backman, Cheryl and Dominic Pasquarelli, and Russell Olson and his partner, Susan Denny, all of Portland; his aunts, Patricia Coughlin, Mary Flannery, Mary Sweeney, Norma Sweeney and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Brendan was predeceased by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, R. William and Grace (Berggren) Olson and his sister-in-law Debra Olson. Brendan also leaves behind innumerable friends. He will be missed by all, but especially by his Happy Hour buddies and his best friend, best man Gary Penkes. Friends and family may call at Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main Street in East Hampton on Thursday, May 21, 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. A graveside memorial service, with Brendan's cousin Dr. Elaine Bloundin Mello officiating, will be held at the Swedish Cemetery, at the corner of William Street and High Street in Portland at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015. A celebration of life is planned for later this summer along with a baseball game at Winnie's Field. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Unit of Middlesex Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the local VFW Post 5095. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.