Celebrating the life of
Thomas Joseph Brennan
January 06, 1943 - March 25, 2013
SAVANNAH - Coach Thomas Tommy Joseph Brennan succumbed to a long fought battle with Chron's Disease with much courage & tenacity. Predeceased by parents James Jimmy & LeAgrace Lollie Blackburn Brennan, Tommy grew up in Tatnall Homes Savannah Gardens where he was a child prodigy, & nicknamed 'Hockenberry' after a famous professional athlete turned coach. He attended Cathedral Day School, was a 1962 graduate of Benedictine Military School BC, & earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi USM in 1967.
A multi-year letterman in baseball, basketball & football, Tommy earned All-City & All-State honors while at BC, was a starter on the '61 State Championship baseball team, & won Back of the Year awards for both the Savannah Quarterback Club & Savannah News Press in 1962. Other honors include the Sears Trophy for the city's best amateur athlete, & the prestigious Ashley Dearing award for the most versatile athlete. Tommy received a football scholarship from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was a three year starter, & still maintains records for returning two punts for touchdowns in a single game, & three interceptions against Auburn's Pat Sullivan in a 3-0 upset as the nation's then #1 rated defense. One of his fondest achievements was receiving accolades from Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant for his play against Alabama, particularly for his dominant coverage of legendary receiver Ray Perkins.
After his first coaching stint of ten years at Windsor Forest High School, Tommy fulfilled a dream of coaching his alma matter 'Ole BC'. Later head coaching jobs included Groves High School, where he was named Coach of the Year, as well as inaugural Liberty County High School, Richmond Hill & South Effingham High Schools. His coaching & teaching career spanned 29 years, and he was inducted into the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He loved to coach, mentor & inspire others with his infectious personality, & has left a memorable mark on many. No matter what he did on or off the field as a player or coach, 'Coach' always gave his best & expected the same in return.
Coach Brennan also worked as a linehandling supervisor for M. J. Hogan & Co. for many years, where he never felt as though it was a job. An avid golfer with a passion for the game, he was a devout member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and a Communicant at St. Boniface Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus #631, & the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. With all of the awards, honors & trophies, Coach was very humble about his accomplishments, & was admired as a captain, leader & gentleman. An inspiration to many, Coach Brennan is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Lynn Brennan; sons Shel Cindy Brennan, Terry Beth Durden Smith Brennan, Ben Sandy Morgan, Dan Nicole Morgan; grandchildren Katherine, Caroline & Colby Brennan, Bayley & Brandan Morgan, & Zach Pittman; siblings James Gina Brennan, Barry Lynn Brennan, Patricia Brennan, & Linda Burnett.
Pallbearers include Copie Burnett, Travis Moll, Talmadge Wall, Simms Dowdy, Ben Morgan, & Jerry Hogan Jr. Honorary Pallbearers include Charlie Ray Sr., Jerry Hogan Sr., Henry Rappe, Gene Robider, George Fitch, Byron Dixon, Luke Simms, Tommy Brunson, Henry Schroeder, Mike Rouch, Pat Rossiter, & Albert Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 www.bcsav.net or Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 386 Park Ave, 17th Floor, NY, NY 10016 www.ccfa.org.
Rosary Service, 5:00 pm on Tuesday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, followed by a visitation until 7:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Interment will follow in Catholic Cemetery.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Shel & Terry, Herb & I were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your families. Herb & Mary Jo Staruch
- Mary Jo Staruch, , GA
To all the Brennan family, Sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.From the Distillation Operators. Freddie Seckinger Royce Cribbs Ray Harter
- Ray Harter, Richmond Hill, GA
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with Tommy's family.
- Sharyn & Orville Lysaught, Lawrenceville, GA
Lynn, Barry, and Nicole, Please accept our deepest condolences and know God loves you and can give you peace, restore your spirits, and strengthen you. God bless all of your family and take care. Chris and Don Dasher
- Chris Dasher, Savannah, GA
Fond memories of Tommy going all the way back to riding the bus together from Savannah Gardens to Cathedral School and continuing all through B.C. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- George McCloy, Augusta, GA
To TB and the Brennan family--y'all have a great family and I know Tommy will be missed. You're in my thoughts and prayers--Best wishes!
- Will Harris, Hattiesburg, MS
To the Brennan family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Andy & Stacey Loth, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. He will be missed by all. BC Class82
- Steve Feltovic{Keylo}, Thunderbolt, GA
Tommy was a great coach and role model! I coached with Tommy at Liberty County and learned so much from him. He touched so many lives and will be missed.
- Allen Yancey, Claxton, GA
Lynn, Tommy was the first person I met in Georgia over 20 years ago and remains one of the kindest men I have ever known. I often think of you both and offer my prayers and condolences.
- Michael Tountasakis, Athens, GA
The Brennan Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Coach Brennan was a wonderful man & he was the reason that I went to BC. I followed him from Windsor to BC his first year of coaching at BC. He was a very important influence in my life during my years at BC. Thanks 'COACH'
- Mervyn Rice, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers to all of Coach's family. I grew up with & have known most of you just about my whole life. Now Coach is all of your guardian angel watching until you are all reunited in heaven. My love to you all.
- Christine Sheppard-Brantley, Springfield, GA
Lynn sweetie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, sending warm huggs to you and yours along with our prayers and love. Miss you! Gail Lamb Rich
- Gail Lamb Rich, Hendersonville, TN
Lynn, Barry, Shel and Copie Sorry for your loss, coach will be missed geatly. Coaching for Tommy will always be highlight of my career. We had some great times on the field, and after the games. He loved ya'll greatly.
- Jeff Mell, Savannah, GA
We are sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
- Raleigh & Jessica Waters, Statesboro, GA
You are always in Sally's & My prayers.
- Mark & Sally Corrigan, Savannah, GA
Tommy you will be missed. But some of the memories I have of some of the things we did togather will never go away.
- Billy Giles, Matthews, NC
Coach Brennan was my coach at south Effingham high school for a couple of years. He was a great coach. He will be missed.
- Heather Poe Macomber, savannah, GA
My sincere condolesence to the Brenan family. I played for coach 1993-1995.. What an awesome guy..
- Tavarus Jones, Warner Robins, GA
Dear Lynn, Terry, Shel and the whole family, I'm truly sorry for your loss. There are no words that can take away your pain or replace the man you love, but I hope that his peace and your wonderful memories with him will give you some comfort through this tough time. I feel very lucky to have known Tommy for the short time that I did. I'll always remember him cheering me on to keep getting good grades in school. He was always so loving and supportive. It meant a lot to me, so I can only imagine how much he influenced all of you and the students/athletes he coached over the years. He will always be remembered with warmth and a smile. Rest in Peace Mr. Tommy. My love and prayers to all of you, Anna-Marie Wiley Wheeler
- Anna-Marie Wheeler, Savannah, GA
To the Brennan Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Tommy.He was a pleasure to be around,whatever the occasion.He will be missed and all of you will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
MAY TOMMY REST IN JESUS SACRED HEART. LOVE JULIE&NEAL RODEWOLT
- NEAL&JULIE RODEWOLT, savannah, GA
Mrs. Lynn, I am so very sorry to hear about Coach Brennan. I had so much admiration for such a great man!! He was a great influence on me in my early coaching years, and his influences can still be seen in the way i coach and teach. I miss him very much!! God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, chris johnson
- chris johnson, alpharetta, GA
Love and prayers to Lynn and family. Jan Howard
- Jan Howard, Savannah, GA
Lynn I am so sorry for yours&shel&terry loss tommy was a fine fella,I'm sorry we can't attend .i am feeling lousy,,maybe I will see you soon,love Faye & Eddie
- Faye&eddie smith, Tybee island, GA
I always enjoyed seeing and talking with Tommy, either at Winder Forest, on the river during tie ups or playing Thursday golf. Tommy was always easy going and down to earth. People and Friends like Tommy are hard to come by.I am blessad to have known him. God bless one and all.
- Jake Poole, Springfield, GA
What a great guy. My condolences to Lynn and family.
- larry langford, Sav, GA
Tommy was a great man, father, husband, friend & coach! Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” —John 11:25
- Ricky M Tomberlin, Rincon, GA
To the Brennan Family i had the great pleasure of knowing Tommy because of being a BC man .i know he was a great human being. he was a legend in sports in Sav.i had a few rounds of golf with him and what a great person to spend on the course with.To his brother Barry may you feel extremely proud.God bless him.i know he was named the head coach in heaven!!!
- mike cohen, savannah, GA
To all the Brennan family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for the great memories, coach! Rest in peace and enjoy 'The Dance'. Pray for us, too. Thank you for all your excellent coaching while at BC. You will be missed. Steve
- Stephen C. Jurgensen, Savannah, GA
To all the Brennan family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for the great memories, coach! Rest in peace and enjoy 'The Dance'. Pray for us, too. Thank you for all your excellent coaching while at BC. You will be missed. Steve
- Stephen C. Jurgensen, Savannah, GA
Lynn my heartfelt sympathies and love goes out to you with Tommy's passing. I know how much you love him and how he was the center of your life for over 30 years. I pray God lays his hands on you in comfort in the many days ahead to bring you through the sorrow of his absence. I love you and am holding you close to my heart and in my thoughts always. Marie
- MARIE E COOK, KATHLEEN, GA
Shel and family, We're sorry for your lost. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you all, Taylor & Tonia Parrott
- Tonia Parrott, Bluffton, SC
I am so sorry to hear about Tommy. I just got off the phone with Greg Hunter who informed me Coach Brennan is now with the Lord. Not many people you meet for a few years in your life and always keep in touch with them but Tommy was one of those exceptions. I was 21 when I met him and I went onto be a decent coach because of him. Tommy didnt teach me much about football, he taught me how to handle people, parents, media, etc... but most importantly how to be a good example for the young people we were assigned to handle. Tommy and Lynn treated me like a son and its funny how that rubs off on those touched. I will miss my talks with him from time to time but the good news is I will get to share eternity together with him where he will eternally be able to show a Yankee how to eat boiled peanuts & hush puppies. With much love, Sofia 10, Gianni 8, Renee & Ted Matosich
- Ted Matosich, Bowling Green, KY
So sorry to hear the news about Tommy. Throwing good thoughts and prayers the Brennan family's way.
- Rex Smith, Savannah, GA
To the Brennan family, You are all in our deepest thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of a truly wonderful man. I am sure our Daddy was there waiting with open arms to greet his long-time friend! May our God hold all of you in the palm of His hand now and the time to come. Kevin and Reenie, Mallory, Lindsay, Meghan, Kristin and Drew Morin
- Reenie Lutz Morin, Savannah, GA
Shel and Family of Coach Brennan, You know how I felt about your dad. He was a great man and will be missed by all who new him. You are all in my prayers. Come Fall In Line...
- Butch Elmgren, Smyrna, GA
Our regrets on your loss. Rest In Peace.
- Wendel Logue, Savannah, GA
Shel and Family, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of such an incredibly gifted man. He was admired and loved by so many and will be truly missed. Treasure your memories for they will help you get through these difficult days. I'm sure my Daddy was there to greet his ole friend with open arms. God bless all of you. Trisha,Jesse,Joseph,& Matthew Morris
- Trisha Lutz Morris, Savannah, GA
Lynn; You and your family are in our prayers. Love you; Debi and Phillip
- Debi Sutterfield, Lexington, MO
James and Family, Very sorry for your loss of Tommy, you have my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
- Roy S. Banks, Jr., Flowery Branch, GA
Shel & Terry, Herb & I were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your families. Herb & Mary Jo Staruch
- Mary Jo Staruch, , GA
To all the Brennan family, Sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.From the Distillation Operators. Freddie Seckinger Royce Cribbs Ray Harter
- Ray Harter, Richmond Hill, GA
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with Tommy's family.
- Sharyn & Orville Lysaught, Lawrenceville, GA
Lynn, Barry, and Nicole, Please accept our deepest condolences and know God loves you and can give you peace, restore your spirits, and strengthen you. God bless all of your family and take care. Chris and Don Dasher
- Chris Dasher, Savannah, GA
Fond memories of Tommy going all the way back to riding the bus together from Savannah Gardens to Cathedral School and continuing all through B.C. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- George McCloy, Augusta, GA
To TB and the Brennan family--y'all have a great family and I know Tommy will be missed. You're in my thoughts and prayers--Best wishes!
- Will Harris, Hattiesburg, MS
To the Brennan family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Andy & Stacey Loth, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. He will be missed by all. BC Class82
- Steve Feltovic{Keylo}, Thunderbolt, GA
Tommy was a great coach and role model! I coached with Tommy at Liberty County and learned so much from him. He touched so many lives and will be missed.
- Allen Yancey, Claxton, GA
Lynn, Tommy was the first person I met in Georgia over 20 years ago and remains one of the kindest men I have ever known. I often think of you both and offer my prayers and condolences.
- Michael Tountasakis, Athens, GA
The Brennan Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Coach Brennan was a wonderful man & he was the reason that I went to BC. I followed him from Windsor to BC his first year of coaching at BC. He was a very important influence in my life during my years at BC. Thanks 'COACH'
- Mervyn Rice, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers to all of Coach's family. I grew up with & have known most of you just about my whole life. Now Coach is all of your guardian angel watching until you are all reunited in heaven. My love to you all.
- Christine Sheppard-Brantley, Springfield, GA
Lynn sweetie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, sending warm huggs to you and yours along with our prayers and love. Miss you! Gail Lamb Rich
- Gail Lamb Rich, Hendersonville, TN
Lynn, Barry, Shel and Copie Sorry for your loss, coach will be missed geatly. Coaching for Tommy will always be highlight of my career. We had some great times on the field, and after the games. He loved ya'll greatly.
- Jeff Mell, Savannah, GA
We are sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
- Raleigh & Jessica Waters, Statesboro, GA
You are always in Sally's & My prayers.
- Mark & Sally Corrigan, Savannah, GA
Tommy you will be missed. But some of the memories I have of some of the things we did togather will never go away.
- Billy Giles, Matthews, NC
Coach Brennan was my coach at south Effingham high school for a couple of years. He was a great coach. He will be missed.
- Heather Poe Macomber, savannah, GA
My sincere condolesence to the Brenan family. I played for coach 1993-1995.. What an awesome guy..
- Tavarus Jones, Warner Robins, GA
Dear Lynn, Terry, Shel and the whole family, I'm truly sorry for your loss. There are no words that can take away your pain or replace the man you love, but I hope that his peace and your wonderful memories with him will give you some comfort through this tough time. I feel very lucky to have known Tommy for the short time that I did. I'll always remember him cheering me on to keep getting good grades in school. He was always so loving and supportive. It meant a lot to me, so I can only imagine how much he influenced all of you and the students/athletes he coached over the years. He will always be remembered with warmth and a smile. Rest in Peace Mr. Tommy. My love and prayers to all of you, Anna-Marie Wiley Wheeler
- Anna-Marie Wheeler, Savannah, GA
To the Brennan Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Tommy.He was a pleasure to be around,whatever the occasion.He will be missed and all of you will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
MAY TOMMY REST IN JESUS SACRED HEART. LOVE JULIE&NEAL RODEWOLT
- NEAL&JULIE RODEWOLT, savannah, GA
Mrs. Lynn, I am so very sorry to hear about Coach Brennan. I had so much admiration for such a great man!! He was a great influence on me in my early coaching years, and his influences can still be seen in the way i coach and teach. I miss him very much!! God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, chris johnson
- chris johnson, alpharetta, GA
Love and prayers to Lynn and family. Jan Howard
- Jan Howard, Savannah, GA
Lynn I am so sorry for yours&shel&terry loss tommy was a fine fella,I'm sorry we can't attend .i am feeling lousy,,maybe I will see you soon,love Faye & Eddie
- Faye&eddie smith, Tybee island, GA
I always enjoyed seeing and talking with Tommy, either at Winder Forest, on the river during tie ups or playing Thursday golf. Tommy was always easy going and down to earth. People and Friends like Tommy are hard to come by.I am blessad to have known him. God bless one and all.
- Jake Poole, Springfield, GA
What a great guy. My condolences to Lynn and family.
- larry langford, Sav, GA
Tommy was a great man, father, husband, friend & coach! Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” —John 11:25
- Ricky M Tomberlin, Rincon, GA
To the Brennan Family i had the great pleasure of knowing Tommy because of being a BC man .i know he was a great human being. he was a legend in sports in Sav.i had a few rounds of golf with him and what a great person to spend on the course with.To his brother Barry may you feel extremely proud.God bless him.i know he was named the head coach in heaven!!!
- mike cohen, savannah, GA
To all the Brennan family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for the great memories, coach! Rest in peace and enjoy 'The Dance'. Pray for us, too. Thank you for all your excellent coaching while at BC. You will be missed. Steve
- Stephen C. Jurgensen, Savannah, GA
To all the Brennan family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for the great memories, coach! Rest in peace and enjoy 'The Dance'. Pray for us, too. Thank you for all your excellent coaching while at BC. You will be missed. Steve
- Stephen C. Jurgensen, Savannah, GA
Lynn my heartfelt sympathies and love goes out to you with Tommy's passing. I know how much you love him and how he was the center of your life for over 30 years. I pray God lays his hands on you in comfort in the many days ahead to bring you through the sorrow of his absence. I love you and am holding you close to my heart and in my thoughts always. Marie
- MARIE E COOK, KATHLEEN, GA
Shel and family, We're sorry for your lost. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you all, Taylor & Tonia Parrott
- Tonia Parrott, Bluffton, SC
I am so sorry to hear about Tommy. I just got off the phone with Greg Hunter who informed me Coach Brennan is now with the Lord. Not many people you meet for a few years in your life and always keep in touch with them but Tommy was one of those exceptions. I was 21 when I met him and I went onto be a decent coach because of him. Tommy didnt teach me much about football, he taught me how to handle people, parents, media, etc... but most importantly how to be a good example for the young people we were assigned to handle. Tommy and Lynn treated me like a son and its funny how that rubs off on those touched. I will miss my talks with him from time to time but the good news is I will get to share eternity together with him where he will eternally be able to show a Yankee how to eat boiled peanuts & hush puppies. With much love, Sofia 10, Gianni 8, Renee & Ted Matosich
- Ted Matosich, Bowling Green, KY
So sorry to hear the news about Tommy. Throwing good thoughts and prayers the Brennan family's way.
- Rex Smith, Savannah, GA
To the Brennan family, You are all in our deepest thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of a truly wonderful man. I am sure our Daddy was there waiting with open arms to greet his long-time friend! May our God hold all of you in the palm of His hand now and the time to come. Kevin and Reenie, Mallory, Lindsay, Meghan, Kristin and Drew Morin
- Reenie Lutz Morin, Savannah, GA
Shel and Family of Coach Brennan, You know how I felt about your dad. He was a great man and will be missed by all who new him. You are all in my prayers. Come Fall In Line...
- Butch Elmgren, Smyrna, GA
Our regrets on your loss. Rest In Peace.
- Wendel Logue, Savannah, GA
Shel and Family, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of such an incredibly gifted man. He was admired and loved by so many and will be truly missed. Treasure your memories for they will help you get through these difficult days. I'm sure my Daddy was there to greet his ole friend with open arms. God bless all of you. Trisha,Jesse,Joseph,& Matthew Morris
- Trisha Lutz Morris, Savannah, GA
Lynn; You and your family are in our prayers. Love you; Debi and Phillip
- Debi Sutterfield, Lexington, MO
James and Family, Very sorry for your loss of Tommy, you have my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
- Roy S. Banks, Jr., Flowery Branch, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
