Brian M. Kennedy

To Brian, life was good. He found wonder, adventure, and excitement in the simple things. His true gift was how he ignited this curiosity and wondrous spirit in others. He believed in people and in humanity. He believed in love. He believed in the magic of curiosity, and he was passionate about making life magical for children.

Brian was born in Glasgow, Scotland, spent his childhood in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and moved to the United States as an eleven-year-old. He proudly became a United States citizen.

Brian was a true family man, and nothing gave him more pride. The son of Eileen and Sydney, who predeceased him, Brian is survived by Patricia, his wonder-woman wife of 42 years. Brian was the very best father and confidant. He is also survived by his loving children Catherine and Sean. If anything could possibly bring him more pride than being a father, it was becoming a grandfather. “Boppy” is survived by his grandsons Gabriel and Giovanni and his granddaughter Angelina.

After graduating from Montville High School and the University of Connecticut, Brian returned to the Montville Public School system where he taught fifth and sixth grade for 33 years. As a teacher, Brian showed students they were truly cared for, inspired life-long learning, and opened young eyes and minds to the simple joys in life. He loved running into former students, and his class kickball games are part of Oakdale School legend.

Brian’s passion for teaching was honorable but paled in comparison to his love and passion for his family. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally. Brian would often marvel at family photographs and everything that grew out of “just two people who fell in love”.

Brian was also a humble man, and did not wish to have any public services or donations in his remembrance. In lieu of gifts, the family asks that Brian’s life be celebrated by friends and family taking some extra time to invest in the children in their lives. Here is something that will spread Brian’s adventurous spirit and his passion for teaching and exploration:

Take your family and kids (grown kids, young children, fur babies, nieces, nephews, grandkids, your young spirit, friends) on a Brian Kennedy style adventure! Brian did this on many Sundays with young Catherine and Sean. First, he would let his kids pick which way to drive at each possible intersection and would pretend he had no idea where they were (sometimes he actually may not have known!). If you don’t have young kids along for the ride, get off an exit on the highway where you’ve never been or find a nearby town you’ve never explored. Along the way Brian and his kids would find something exciting - a pond to check out, a new playground, a breakfast restaurant to stop at for OJ … It was always simple and never cost much money, but Brian’s narrations, his enthusiasm, and the talks he and his kids would have along the way made these trips special. On one evening adventure, he convinced his kids that a little man jumped from light-post to light-post each night to turn on the streetlights. As Brian’s children grew older, he and Patricia made it a priority to show Catherine and Sean more and more of our world. Brian’s adventurous spirit took his family across the country and across oceans, but these early journeys around town will remain some of his children’s fondest memories. As Brian would say, “Journey on!” And if your adventure leads to a Guinness or two along the way, Slainte!

Additionally, the family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff of the L&M Hospital CCU for the care Brian received, and for the support that was given to his family.