Thomas Joseph Brennan

United States Army Private Thomas Joseph Brennan tragically lost his life on September 27, 2024, after a long and courageous fight against cancer.

Brennan was born in California and shared a deep, loving bond with his parents, Patricia and Daniel. He was also blessed to have two caring step-parents, his stepmother, Susan, and his stepfather, Glenn. He was the eldest of four children, growing up alongside both siblings and strep-siblings. Some of his happiest memories were made at the family pool and on the baseball field with his father proudly coaching the team. At fourteen, Brennan moved to Boston and began his first job as a cook at KFC, an experience he cherished and often recalled with lighthearted stories. Two years later, he made a new home in Sylvania, Ohio, where he graduated from Northview High School. There, he enjoyed playing football and being part of the band. 

Driven by a lifelong desire to serve his country, Brennan enlisted in the Army in 1990. Though his future plans were still taking shape, he knew from the start that he wanted to be a tanker. At just 17 years old, with his father’s signature as a minor, he proudly signed his enlistment papers and began his journey of service. During his time in the Army, Brennan’s hard work and dedication were recognized with several honors, including the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, and the Army Achievement Medal. These accomplishments reflected not only his commitment to his duties but also his deep sense of pride in serving his country.

In the summer of 2005, Brennan and his future wife, Whitney, connected on eHarmony. They spoke for two weeks before meeting in person, and their connection was instant and effortless. Their bond deepened rapidly, and they soon discovered they had attended the same high school for two years, just one year apart, but had never met. While Brennan was in the midst of moving from Cleveland to Toledo, Ohio, he would go out of his way to visit Whitney in Columbus. Whitney describes Brennan as her unwavering support, someone who understood her better than she understood herself. Despite the challenges of Brennan’s illness, they shared a magical nineteen and a half years together and two amazing children, Reese and Maxwell. 

Whitney treasures memories of Brennan’s boundless love and dedication, especially in the simple moments, from their time at Cub Scouts Camp to his constant presence on the ball fields. An incredibly devoted husband and father, even during chemo and radiation treatments, he often came straight from appointments to their children’s games and activities. Brennan had a gift for making friends wherever he went, making everyone feel like his best friend. Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at 36, he faced nearly 16 years of chronic pain, surgeries, and treatment with courage and grace. On good days, he would cook, entertain, send handwritten notes, and play with his children, always leading his family with love and strength. In his final year, he helped his daughter Reese raise $90,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and advocated for veterans through the PACT Act. Brennan believed life’s meaning lay in responsibility: to provide, to be proud, to accomplish, and to serve his family. His motto, “Courage Conquers!” guided his life and reflected the strength, love, and steadfast commitment he brought to his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.

United States Army Private Thomas Joseph Brennan is survived by his loving wife, Whitney, and their beautiful children, Reese and Maxwell. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Brennan family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.