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William Brennan Obituary
William J. Bill Brennan, age 83, of Westerly, RI, passed away on November 7, 2024 after bravely battling cancer for the past three years.
He was born in Westerly to Arthur and Nancy Brennan.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline F. Brennan, with whom he recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his children: Melinda Finaly, William Brennan (Edith), Dawn Brennan (Tom), and Alison Huberty (Brian); 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Jane Hildebrand. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Nancy Brennan.
Bill graduated from Bryant University in 1969 with a BS in Business Administration, while holding a full-time job at Electric Boat. His career was marked by numerous senior management roles at AMF, Inc. in Japan and the US. He served as President of Sprague Electric in Hong Kong and retired from Hosakawa Micron Corporation, Japan as Executive Vice President and Board Member.
He was deeply involved in
the Boy Scouts, earning both his Eagle Scout and Ad Altare Dei awards and serving as Scout Master for a number of years. After retirement and many years on the road, Bill dedicated his time to various organizations, including the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society (where he made the clam chowder for 10 years), Westerly Yacht Club, Calabrese Society, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Westerly Bocce Club, and Westerly Lion's Club. He was also a life member of the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club, Yokohama, Japan, where he served as President.
Bill enjoyed clamming, golf, and reading. A very proud moment in his life was achieving a hole in one on the 17th hole at Meadow Brook course with his SENESGA golf league.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00p.m. 6:00p.m. at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00a.m. on Wednesday at St. Clare Church, 62 Crandall Avenue, Westerly. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society, Stonington, CT or St. Clare Church in Bill's memory. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Brennan
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
2 Entries
Lt. Ret'd Byron Brown WPD
November 14, 2024
Brennan Family,
So sorry to learn of William passing. Bill and I played football together for the Bulldogs, he as a lineman and I as a running back. I was two years ahead of Bill in school. Billy obituary is very impressive he was very knowledgeable and wise to further his education after high school. We both played golf in the SENESGA men league on different teams. His hole in one was a joy to him. I never shot a hole in one, but I won the league Class C Group Championship and the following year I won the Class B Group Championship.
Two old Westerly guys did well in the league.
Rest in peace Bill you are remembered for your quick smile, and kind way to all who crossed your path.
Marta Parsons
November 11, 2024
Jackie and family. Our sincere condolences. Bill was such a great guy. He will be missed. Marta and John Brennan
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Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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