Lifelong Bridgehampton resident Richard P. Brennan died of cancer on July 2 at his home, “Brennan’s Moor,” on Mecox Bay, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 73.
Born on October 7, 1934, to Ambrose and Elizabeth Page Brennan, he worked with his father and uncle as a potato farmer until 1962. Together, they farmed more than 200 acres planted in potatoes south of Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton.
In 1962, Mr. Brennan left farming and began a career with State Farm Insurance. He established a presence on the two forks of Long Island and the business flourished for more than 40 years through the growth of the East End.
He and his wife, Diana Simonson, then residents of Lumber Lane, developed a number of commercial real estate properties, including The Bridgehampton House and Bridgehampton Industrial Park.
An active member of the community, he served in the Bridgehampton Fire Department for 16 years, was a member of the Bridgehampton Lions Club, and served on the parish council for the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church. He loved the game of golf and was a member of the Southampton Golf Club for more than 40 years.
When the nurses at Sloan Kettering Hospital wanted to test Mr. Brennan’s fine motor skills in late June, he was asked to write a small message. He chose to write, “I have been in love with my wife for 52 years and I had a wonderful life.” Gracious to the end and content with his life, according to family, he will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Deborah Thayer of Sagaponack and Dawn Hagen of Water Mill; two sons and their wives, Richard and Deborah Brennan of Connecticut, and Daniel and Terri Brennan of New Jersey; and 12 grandchildren, Jason and Andrew Thayer, Eric, Sarah, and Jake Hagen, Ryan, Courtney, and Tyler Brennan, and Paige, Daniel, Emma, and Luke Brennan.
A brother, Ambrose Brennan Jr., predeceased him.
The family received visitors at the Brockett Funeral Home July 4. A funeral mass, officiated by Monsignor Ronald Richardson, was held at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church on July 5.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bridgehampton Library, P.O. Box 3025, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, or to Cormaria Retreat House, P.O. Box 1993, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 would be appreciated by the family.
on Jul 8, 2008