Thomas Michael Brennan, 62, of Virginia Beach, VA died at home after a protracted struggle against traumatic brain injury-induced dementia.

He was born in Boston, MA to Michael John and Mary Ellen Brennan. He lived in Boston until 1971 when the family returned to their native County Roscommon in Ireland where he resided until he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1984. His career with the Navy brought him across the world, beginning with the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and ending with USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Aboard these carriers, he supported combat operations in Operations Prairie Fire, El Dorado Canyon, and Enduring Freedom, the latter being the first American strikes into Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. Thomas was also a recruit Honor Graduate, a Plankowner for both USS George Washington (CVN-73) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), a firefighter instructor, a trained Space Shuttle rescue operator, and honorably retired as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class. His service continued into retirement as a volunteer aboard USS Wisconsin.

He was stationed in Great Lakes, IL; Lakehurst, NJ; Norfolk, VA; Bermuda, UK; Millington, TN; and Pensacola, FL. It was in Millington, TN where he met the love of his life: Elizabeth Allison. The two wed in 1996 and celebrated 27 years of marriage.

His decorations included the Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, three Navy Unit Commendations, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” ribbon, five Navy Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, four Sea Service Ribbons, and three Overseas Service Ribbons.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Allison Brennan; children, Roya (Geoff) Skinner, Devin (Joshua) Didier, David (Heather) Brennan (Maj, USMC), Niamh (Heidi) Brennan; eight grandchildren; mother, Mary Ellen; and siblings, Carolyn Micale and Sean Brennan (Det., Suffolk PD, ret.).

Special thanks to the Wounded Warrior Project, Neuro Community Care, the Gregory J. O’Shanick Center for Neurorehabilitation Services, Westminster Canterbury Hospice, the staff at Preferred Care, and especially Leona Richardson, for their immense support and care for Thomas and Elizabeth Allison.

A funeral service will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church at 5345 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA at 10:30 on 13 March 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Thomas’ name are greatly appreciated.

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