Ricky L. “Rick” Brennan, 64, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on June 22, 2016 surrounded by a loving family. Rick was born on August 4, 1951 in Goshen, Indiana to Leslie and Norma Brennan who both predeceased him as did his brother Buddy Brennan of Huntington, IN and his canine fur babies Rebel, Sammi and Buddy. He was raised in the small town of Syracuse, Indiana and joined the Army at age 17 where he served a total of 24 years, retiring as a First Sergeant in 1993. Rick was a 100% service connected disabled veteran who served overseas in Vietnam and Germany with his remaining time served in the states. During his distinguished military career, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Service Ribbon, seven Good Conduct Awards, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with a #3, two National Defense Service Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, his Driver and Mechanic Badge, his Expert Marksmanship Rifle Badge, the Gold Recruiting Badge with three Sapphire Achievement Stars, and the Army Recruiting Ring.
Rick was active in numerous veterans organizations and was a life member of VFW Post 10093, where he twice served as Commander, a life member of DAV, Chapter 11 and was a member of the American Legion Post 238 in Safety Harbor, Florida where he served as Finance Officer for three years where he and his wife were very much involved in the Homeless Program. He was also a member of the Oldsmar Moose Lodge 2373.
Although he was known to be frequently blunt and to the point, those that truly knew him knew that he had a soft spot especially when it came to the homeless and to animals. Survivors include his wife Dottie Brennan of 19 years, son’s Rick (Angie) Brennan of Trinity, Florida; Steven (Kari) Brennan of Dunedin, Florida; stepson’s Brian Roberts of Belfast, Maine; Brad (Kari) Roberts of Milan, Illinois; brother Garry (Karen) Ringler of Syracuse, Indiana; sister’s Kandy Domonique, Sandy (Mike) McRobbie, Sally (Kirk) Beck all of Archbold, Ohio; Ann (Bruce) Booher, and Kathy (Phillip) Lindsay both of Huntington, Indiana; seven grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs, Zoe and Molly.
A memorial service is scheduled for July 10, 2016 at 2:00 PM at VFW Post 10093 where the American Legion Post 238 Honor Guard will provide military honors. The graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 10:45 am at Bay Pines National Cemetery with the United States Army providing military honors. The family requests that memorial contributions to be made to your nearest animal shelter in Rick’s memory.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
You will be missed. We love you very much. I couldn’t had asked for a better father-in-law, grandfather to the kids and terrific dad to my husband. Our hearts are broke just knowing you aren’t with us anymore. Love you.
My life has been blessed to have had you in it. As have so many others. Love you “Ricky Lee”. Salute.
I miss you already my friend. I know you’re in God’s hands right now and that gives us comfort. See if you can find Liz up there and give her a hug from me.
Rick & I went to Syracuse Elementary & High School together in Indiana. So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy & funny also! Thoughts & prayers for his whole family at this time.
Rick and I grew up together in Syracuse we were kind of ornery and had a lot of fun as teenageers.Very fond memories of our years together growing up in small town Indiana.Prayers for the family
I love you dad and will miss you very much. I learned more through your examples than you will ever know. I love than I can show this to people so they know that my bluntness is hereditary. You were a good man, a good father and a good grandfather. You left an impression on so many people and I am so very proud to say that I am your son. May you forever rest in peace. You will always be in my thoughts. I love you.
Rick, you were a true and loyal soldier and friend. I will miss our daily pokes and jokes on Facebook. May God bless your family during this time and keep them safe in His arms. RIP my friend
I went to school with Ricky in Syracuse Indiana, so very sorry for the families loss, may he R.I.P.
My condolences to the family, Knew Rick from Syracuse , I am friends of his sisters , Sandi, Kandi, Sally, brother Gary.
Karen Troyer Heil
Well old Buddy I don’t leave many of these messages but felt the need to say good bye for now. You have touched my life as you have so many ! I will never forget the passion you had for the homeless and every Christmas you took the time to show it. Thanks for letting me be part of that gratifying experience.
Rick was a great guy who had a big heart and would help anyone out I love you big brother you are in gods hands now fly high big brother you will never be forgotten . You were a great father to your boys and no your boys are great fathers to love you,you will always be in my heart .
I served with Rick at the Gainesville West Recruiting Station, Gainesville, FL. Rick taught me the recruiting business. Rick was a Leader, Teacher and good Friend. Rick will be missed by many. Rest in peace my friend.
He was a god ol’ boy, who’s voice could be heard even in a sports arena you would know it was him, called him as he saw them, he had respect from all, and will be missed all.I hope for the fmaily that the grief be short and the memory long and lasting!!
I loved your directness. Never had to wonder where you were coming from. You and your wife are two of the most generous and giving people I’ve ever met. You will truly be missed by many. Keep playing the Farkle my friend.
My condolences to the Brennan Family. My husband, Cecil Webb, work with Rick at the Gainesville Recruiting Station.
You have forever left an imprint on my heart and memory Ricky. You and Dottie have always been two of my favorite people. The tremendous care you have shown to the homeless community is a Godsend to all you’ve helped. You will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to call you friend. My heart and prayers go out to all who are affected by losing your presence here but know you are up there watching over us all. I’ll also miss that jokester asking me, “Do you like short, fat, bald men?”
Rick we will miss you, you always was a great brother and I will never forget you! I love you so much!
Dottie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was a great man and had a Heart of Gold. I went to your wedding and have seen Rick through the years, always with a smile and a very kind word. Your loss is so great and want you to know that if there is anything I can do for you and your family to please let me know. Rick lives in your memories of him and may they help you get through this sad sad time.
When we last saw you at the Legion, we spoke for awhile. Wished you well. Went back to our seats across from you. I (Bob) looked at you sitting there, and had the feeling you were saying goodbye. Rest, soldier and friend, we will carry on your Homeless Christmas Program. You were a man we’ll remember.
There’s a special place for men like you in heaven. Patrol it well and look down upon us and wink. May God keep you in the palm of his hand. Rest well.
Theworld lost a great man today. he welcomed me into his home and made me feel like part of his family. he served his country and community with honor and it was a grat honor and pleasure to have met this man share a beer with him. you will be truly missed Rick RIP soldier
Dear Ricky in Heaven,
It’s so hard to believe you are gone, but now able to be at peace, your duty is done.
I will miss you, as will so many others, and our Legion meetings won’t be the same without you.
Sheryl always loved to see ‘Ricky Bobby’, and banter back and forth with you. You were always trying to sell her something for our RV, like a nice new sewer hose. We never did get it now that I think about it.
I loved your boisterous personality, but you had your kind side as well. You and Dottie did so much for the homeless, generously, and with heart.
Dottie, of course, is a true angel, as she was able to put up with you for all those years. We will watch out for her, not to worry friend.
Carry on in heaven soldier, you will be missed.
Respectfully,
Barbara and Sheryl Hollen-Hugg
Rick was one of my classmates in Syracuse. My deepest sympathy is with the family. R.I.P. Rick.
Dottie and Family, Matt and I were so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a generous and kind-hearted man who will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. From serving our great country, to his love and caring of Dottie, his family and his special dogs and also for helping the homeless, just to name a few. Hold on to all the memories of Rick close to your heart and have faith that one day you will all be together … for eternity never to be separated again.
Rick where do I even begin. You were there for me and my dad when we needed you the most. You were one of the most honest and thoughtful men I ever had the privileged of knowing. I will truly miss you but know you are causing a ruckus in heaven and that does bring a smile to my face. All my love now and forever!
Rick will truly be missed here in our palm harbor CBOC. His presence brought many laughs and smiles with his EVERY visit. He will be remembered always and never forgot for he left a lifetime time stamp on all of us. Rest in peace and all of our condolences to the family.
I will miss you as a mainstay In our legions of our American facilities. Thanks for your service and very glad to have your friendship while here on earth. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I
My dear friend Rick, time had separated us, but I never forgot our friendship throughout the years. I often thought of our many adventures.As we meet in downtown Syracuse, neighbors of a small community. Finding out we were born in the same hospital 12 days apart and relatives of the same family lines cousins. Hanging out throughout our teens and all your leave times from Nom. Wow the day you got that purple challenger. And when you meet Bonnie,yeah I still remember. And I often wish I had enlisted with you brother of my youth. As we all have said,never out spoken, but always out standing.My friend Rickey honor love friendship. RIP MIKE CLARK