William “ Bill” H. Brennan, 91, of Rochester, MA (formerly of Longmeadow, MA) went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2024 after a brief battle with Leukemia. William, also known as ”Poppy” was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on December 9th, 1932. He was the son of William Brennan and Mary Blanchard.
Growing up in greater Waterbury CT, Bill was known for his dedicated work ethic, shoveling walkways, selling newspapers, doing odd jobs, excelling at football and track, and serving as an altar boy. Upon graduating from Sacred Heart HS in 1950, Bill worked as a toolmaker at Scoville Company’s local brass mill where he showed an aptitude for mechanical design. Having found his lifelong vocation, Bill entered the University of Connecticut’s Engineering Program and, still working at the mill, earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bridgeport University.
Bill met the love of his life Kathleen Dressell on a blind date and soon after they married in 1952 and celebrated 69 years of a Christ-centered marriage.
Recruited by Mathews Conveyor Belt Company , Bill moved his family to Elwood City, PA.
Missing the East Coast, Bill accepted a position with Rex Chainbelt (Rexnord) Company in Springfield, MA, and settled his family in the picturesque town of Longmeadow, MA for 53 wonderful years. Bill, in his diligent and determined efforts became President of the American Society of Quality Control (Western MA), and later retired in 2000 as the manager of capability studies for Milton Bradley (Hasbro).
Poppy’s greatest memories were the times spent with family and friends at their “lake house” in the Berkshires. He also enjoyed socializing, dining out, going to the symphony as well as theater and most of all traveling and taking cruises with Kathy. Bill was an avid runner and set a goal to run the NYC Marathon which he did successfully with a competitive time. After relocating to Rochester, MA in 2016, Bill remained active in his church, the Council on Aging center and theater productions at the Marion Art Center.
The most important part of Poppy’s life was his faith. In all the churches Bill attended, he loved being involved in Bible study, leading field trips to religious events and sharing the gospel message. Bill knew that God was personally active in his life and not only did he have the assurance of heaven, but a joyous anticipation for what he called “home”. Even in his final days, he shared his faith enthusiastically with everyone he encountered. A humble, loving man, Bill said he was “deeply encouraged that Christ saves us even as we are sinners.” Bill was a patient, gentle caregiver to his wife in her years long battle with dementia, which sadly ended in 2022. Poppy knew with certainty that he would be reunited with “Nanny” again. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his half-brother James Christopher Brennan, his three children William J Brennan (and his wife Melissa) of Manassas VA, Sheila Martin of Mattapoisett, Ma and Barbara Lochte of Seguin, Texas, his nine grandchildren Patrick, F. Charles, Conor, Kelly Kathryn, John Ryan, Kathleen Ann, Liam, Erin, Aidan and three great grandchildren James, Benjamin and Scott. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen of Rochester, his sister Mary Beth Denehy of Harwinton, Connecticut, his son-in-law John Martin of Mattapoisett and his son-in-law F Scott Lochte of Seguin, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Rochester in Rochester, MA on August 16th, 2024 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, William asked for donations to be made to Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford,166 Spring St. New Bedford, MA 02740.
