Shrewsbury – William V. “Billy” Brennan, 89, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Florida and Grafton, passed away Saturday, May 27th, 2023, at home with the family he loved gathered by his side, his wife of 57 years, Phyllis passed away on March 19th.
Billy was born in Boston the son of Irish immigrants Joseph and Mary (King) Brennan. He grew up in Boston and Worcester, joined the U.S. Army at 15 serving in the Massachusetts Army National guard for 13 years where he was a marksman. In 1965, he married Phyllis A. Loughlin, and began a life of heritage, family, and friends, in Worcester, Grafton, Matunuck RI and Ocala Florida. Billy worked as a sales rep for the New England Grocers, Sweet life Corporation many years before retiring to Florida.
William is survived by, a daughter, Kathleen Eisnor and her husband, Vernon of Scarborough Maine, a daughter, Jennifer McCarthy and her significant other, Peter Dimitry of Shrewsbury, four grandchildren, Christopher Eisnor, Alicia Eisnor and her fiancée Brian McKenzie, Nicole Raymond and her husband Todd, and Gianna Dimitry; four great grandchildren, Chase, Colt, Alivia Raymond and Lydia Eisnor; a sister, Mary O’Leary and her husband Al of Rochdale; Nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A brother, Joseph Brennan and his wife Justine predeceased him.
William was a life member and past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and enjoyed meeting friends daily at the club, listening to Irish music and sharing stories. He learned to fly planes and would land at the old airport in Grafton in the same neighborhood he settled after marrying. He also enjoyed eating out with Phyllis, golfing, flea marketing, putting around the house and garden and visiting with neighbors from Grafton, Matunuck and their Ocala Florida community where they participated in both monthly community events and nightly group gatherings in their cul de sac. William and Phyllis loved their animals over the years, both cats and dogs, he loved the beach and the warm sun of Matunuck RI and Florida. William took immense pride in his Irish Heritage and passing it along to his children. He loved all types of Irish music, and anything related to Ireland. One of the best 2 weeks of his life was traveling around Ireland visiting every single county with special focus on the homesteads and local bed & breakfasts, pubs, and various tourist attractions. With Phyllis alongside they took immense pride in the family and decorating their homes and working on projects. He was always very proud of his family’s accomplishments.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Thursday, June 1st from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Friday, from the funeral home with a procession beginning at 9:50 to St John’s Church, 44 Temple St., where his celebration of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am. Burial with Military honors will be in St John’s Cemetery.
