Robert Joseph Brennan, III

We are heartbroken to share that Robert Joseph Brennan, III, born April 6, 1971, has peacefully passed on.

Bobby is the second of six children born to Robert J. and Alyson Brennan, Jr. He was raised in a home on Fern Street in Fairfield that was filled with love, kids, friends, family, chaos, music, holidays, parties and laughter. He was a thoughtful product of Fairfield Prep, Class of 1989, where he took home the Theology medal upon graduation, a surprise to no one who has ever engaged in a philosophical “discussion” with Bob, oftentimes more of a meandering foray through intellectual ideas rather than a direct path to a conclusion. His passionate debate skills never to be matched. It was at Prep where he established deeply rooted bonds that would last a lifetime and become a great source of strength over the course of his life. He graduated from Fairfield University, Class of 1993, with a B.S. in Political Science and then returned once again to pursue Social Studies and Secondary Education. 

In pursuit of an ocean-centered life, Bob eventually found his Rhode Island family where he was greeted with acceptance and solidarity, especially within the surf community to which he was bound by salt water. He engaged in a career of service, most notably at Ocean Tides in Narragansett, RI where he changed the course of many lives. While he was a proficient teacher of Social Studies, receiving Teacher of the Year from the Christian Brotherhood, he was also a mentor, taking his students surfing, planting victory gardens, and cleaning up on the basketball court. Reading past OT students' reactions to his passing gives a greater understanding of how one individual can positively impact another when we put others before ourselves. It was in Rhode Island where he chased his passions; surfing, hiking, environmental and conservation advocacy, art in all different mediums, guitar and education. But the passion he indulged the most and the one he was most proud of was fatherhood; the light in his deep, blue eyes becoming brighter with every telling of a story featuring “The Maeve.” Jasper Maeve Brennan is the legacy that Bobby leaves. 

In addition to Jasper, Bobby is survived by his Mother, Alyson J. Brennan; his siblings and Outlaws - Katie and Sean O’Leary, Kimberly and Ryan Tyler, Meghan and Gregg Chiota, Maura and Brian Carey, Tommy and Shannon Brennan; nieces and nephews, who revered their funny Uncle Bobby - Sean and Tim O’Leary, Sage and Nixie Tyler, McKenna, Crosby, and Rowan Chiota, Kieran and Teagan Carey, Robert J. and Cassidy Brennan; and a village-full of aunts, uncles, cousins, Outlaws and friends who will miss the colors Bobby added to their lives.  Bobby was predeceased by his Father, Robert J. Brennan, Jr.; Grandparents, Robert J. & Roselyn M. Brennan and Charles and Mary Janis; Uncle, Shaun M. Brennan, and cousin, Ryan Charles Brennan. 

Bob left an indelible watermark on the lives he touched. His life was about finding joy and beauty in simple pursuits. While this is where his earthly journey ends, in his honor, those who cherished him will continue where he left off in constant pursuit of a purer, simpler and more peaceful life.  We will remember him every time we see a wave break, a hawk perched, an inspiring piece of art, and most of all when we look into the eyes of a proud father. Please send any pictures and stories of Bob to help us compile a book of memories and inspiration. Send submissions to surferbob@marverde.net Together, we will commemorate RJB III, with a memorial at The Connecticut Audubon Society on Burr Street in Fairfield on November 27, 2022, at 10:30a.m. Until then, Eyes to Sea.