Robert James “Bob” Brennan (59), of Wilmington, died December 21 st , after a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis. He was born January 23 rd in Passaic, New Jersey, the son of James Joseph Brennan and Suzanne Idell Brennan.
He was employed with Cape Fear Community College as a History Instructor for more than 25 years, where he will be missed by many students, if not the administration. At his work he was known for being an engaging storyteller, able to make History the favorite class for many of his students. One of his private moments of satisfaction over the years was to hear how many of his students changed majors and went on to become History teachers themselves.
Known to his friends as a sympathetic listen, avid trivia player, and perennial member of Gold’s Gym, his absence will be felt by many.
His wish is to be cremated and eventually (a month or two) there will be not a memorial service, but a party. A life-affirming night of laughing, sarcasm and telling ‘Bob-centric’ stories.
In lieu of flowers or letters of condolences, feel free to make a contribution to a German Shepard rescue, the Human Society or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
He is survived by his brother, Randall.
Coastal Cremations 6 Jacksonville St., Wilmington NC 28403
910.392.6032
6 Comments
Bob, was the very first person to be nice to me when I moved to NC in 2007. In hindsight it makes sense because I am a woman. He remained one of my favorite people, despite crashing my first date with Tom. He could always make me laugh and was the smartest smartass in the room. I will miss the stories of Caesar and Ace, and all the other stories (he was a fantastic story teller). I miss our downtown Wilmington walks and our morning and afternoon workplace chats. Bob will continue to inspire me as the most disciplined person I have ever known.
You will be remembered as a stellar human whom many admired and adored. You were tough as nails and yet the cuddliest of bears. I loved your wisdom, confidence and passion as did all who had the pleasure of knowing you. We all wish we had had more time with you and feel robbed of opportunities, but we are thankful for the time we did have. I love you and even though you didn’t make it to Ireland this time, I feel certain you will eventually find your way back. Rest easy dear friend.
To the only human on earth that could manipulate me into jumping out of a plane; yet be gullible enough to think I wouldn’t. That freefall was legendary! Rest easy, my friend.
Bob always referred to me as “the Other Jen” when we first me because he already knew several others. Haven’t seen him in many years but he will be missed.
Bob was a passionate teacher and a good person even if his peculiar humor and acerbic style ruffled feathers. I for one will miss him. Rest friend.
I first met Bob when he came to Stokesdale, North Carolina to meet my German Shepard puppies. he left with a beautiful male he named Crixus & fondly called Little man.. we stayed in touch over the years, sending pictures and stories and actually visiting him at his home with Crixus in Wilmington.. I knew Bob had been sick and heard from him in early December and then didn’t hear on Crixus’‘s birthday August 6. I just found out that Bob had passed and I was heartbroken about my friend and his love of his pup , our common ground. He was a wonderful man and a great storyteller for sure, I hope the gentle giant puppy is with his family and Bob rest in peace. love you, my friend,Lindsay
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