Robert E. Brennan, 87, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Reservoir Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Marlborough surrounded by his loving family.

Robert, affectionately known to many as "Bobby" and "Coach", was born in Marlborough, the son of the late Matthew J. Brennan and Edna E. (Regan) Brennan, and husband of Evangeline “Vangie” (Zouharis) Brennan. He was predeceased by his brothers, Matthew J. Brennan, II, Leo F. Brennan, George Brennan, William J. Brennan, Walter C. Brennan, his sisters, Mildred McCarthy, Dorothy McNally, and Marjorie Bruso, and his nephews, Matthew J. Brennan, III, and Daniel P. McCarthy.

Throughout Bobby's entire life, his family and his friends were his priority, forever being there for them all, regardless of the need.  He married his sweetheart, Vangie, who was a MHS cheerleader when they met while he was coaching MHS basketball, and went on to celebrate 64 years of marriage, and was the proud father of Bobby Jr., and Maureen.  He was forever loyal to his siblings and their families.  At the pinnacle of his family devotion was the arrival of his only grandchild, Nickole, who brought him great joy, proudly doting over her these last several years, attending all her sporting events and proudly calling her “a great all-around athlete.”

In addition to his devotion to his family, the game of football was his passion where he was a star player for Marlboro High (Class of 1954) and was inducted to the MHS Hall of Fame in 2006.  Following his players years, Bobby was found on the sidelines for Marlboro High School in various capacities and then in 1990 he became the Head Coach of the Marlborough Shamrocks where he went on to win thirteen Eastern Football League Championships and five National Championships.  In 2007 Bobby also had a brief stint as the Head Coach of the St. Mark’s football team in Southborough.

Marlboro, the hometown of Bobby’s, was also a great passion of his where he was a lifelong resident and was elected to the Marlborough School Committee in 1969 and remained on the Committee for the next 18 years where his major achievement was overseeing the building of a new high school that opened in 1977.  Bob also served the constituents of Ward 2 on the Marlborough City Council from 1984-1985.  

Following his retirement, Bobby was able to enjoy another passion of his, the game of golf, by getting a part time job at St. Mark’s Golf Course.  You could find “Coach” almost everyday at the course honing skills with his unique left handed swing and was always ready with an encouraging word for those golfers who he encountered. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Maureen A. Brennan and her husband Keith E. Wheeler of Marlborough, and his son, Robert E. Brennan, Jr. of Marlborough. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Nickole Brennan Wheeler and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 5, at 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church, 9 Prospect Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.