Musical talent who loved Boston sports
MELROSE — James (“Jimmy”) H. Brennan, Jr., beloved son, proud brother, favorite uncle and dear friend passed unexpectedly but peacefully at home in Melrose on Sunday, December 22 at age 56.
Jimmy was born in Brighton on August 19, 1968, the elder of two sons of Brighton natives Eleanor (Finn) and the late James H. Brennan Sr. Raised in Melrose, he graduated from Melrose High School and received a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts. Shortly after graduating, he joined the RJ Devereaux Corp, a utility contractor. Dedicating himself and his career to the business, Jimmy was part of the extended family at Devereaux. Jimmy had such loyalty and fulfillment over the years committed to the success of the company and most importantly to his teammates.
Jimmy also grew up in Rye, NH where he spent the summers at the cottage, on the beach and at the Dunes. He took special care of the family home with great pride over the years for everyone to enjoy. He shared so many memories and the cottage held a magical place in his heart.
Jimmy was gifted with artistic and musical talent throughout his life from murals on his childhood bedroom walls and ceiling to always strumming on the guitar while encouraging family and friends to enjoy their crafts. His talents beamed bright throughout his life. He was also an avid Boston sports fan and attended almost all Sox, Celts and Bruins championship series over the years bringing numerous family and friends. He preferred the Patriots playoff and super bowl games from the comforts of home.
Often known as Uncle Jimmy, he was everyone’s favorite uncle, building personal and treasured connections with his nieces, nephew, extended family and friends. His family and friends were everything to Jimmy and he was always there to lift up those around him with support, humor, stories and generosity. He shared his love with a sense of duty to family and naturally took on important roles caring for others with love and selfless dedication. Jimmy was everything to those close to him and he was truly happy when spending time with loved ones. He was so well loved and will be deeply and sorely missed, but his kind, spirited heart and selfless care for others will continue to inspire all those he touched. May he rest in peace.
Jimmy was the cherished and devoted son of Eleanor F. (Finn) Brennan and the late James H. Brennan Sr. Loving and big brother of Sean M. Brennan and his wife Jennifer of Melrose. Proud and favorite uncle of Jack, Sophie and Ella. Dear nephew of Eleanor Gillette and her late husband Richard of Woburn; Janice Hamilton and her late husband Paul Shea of Waltham; the late John Brennan and his surviving wife Maureen of Norwood; and the late Patty Koslowski. Also survived by many loving cousins and dear family friend Virginia Hall of FL.
Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to gather in honor of Jimmy during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, December 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services were private. If you wish, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Friends of the Milano Center, 201 W. Foster St., Melrose, MA 02176. For online tribute, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
