Philip Augustus Brennan

Brennan, Philip A. (USAF Col., Retired)\

Age 90

Our beloved dad, Phil Brennan, went home to be with the Lord July 26, 2021 at Hospice House in Spokane. True to form, he waited until Team Dad had assembled before he took his final, glorious promotion.

He is survived by Team Dad: son Tom (Judy) Brennan of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters Debby (Jeff) Hagen of Apple Valley, MN, Donna (Michael) O’Donnell of Newtown, PA, Diane Brennan of Spokane Valley, and Lori (Ed) Schlect of Mica, WA. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, two sisters in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his darling Kate, his parents, Thomas J. Brennan and Johanna L. Brennan Corona, his two brothers Matt and Tom, grandson Jakie and great grandson Asher.

Phil was born January 2, 1931 in Jamaica, NY. He graduated from Chaminade High School where he excelled as a thespian, then Villanova College where he served as class president. It was when he was playing the saxophone at a dance that he met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kate) McCosker. They married in 1953 and enjoyed a rich, full life together until she passed away, one month short of their 60th anniversary. In 1952, Phil enlisted in the Air Force and underwent pilot training, taking his first solo flight in a T-6 in October of that year. He eventually piloted the B-52. His 26-year career took him all around the world, including a 1-year deployment in Thailand, but it was his assignment at Fairchild AFB as the 92nd Bomb Wing Commander that he became enchanted with Spokane. In 1978, he retired from the Air Force and made Spokane his (and mom’s) home. In retirement, he dabbled in selling life insurance and real estate, then became Spokane County’s first  911 Director. He loved his country and was a true patriot; he loved his community and enriched it through service in organizations like Serra Club International (President), dedicated to fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life, Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight), Rotary Club (Vice President), Hospice House, and Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. One of his favorite activities in his parish, Our Lady of Fatima, was lectoring: he didn’t just read the Word of God, he proclaimed it. We grieve, but not without hope.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Phil with a donation in his name to any of the following organizations: Hospice of Spokane, Union Gospel Mission, Catholic Charities, and Immaculate Heart Retreat Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Philip Augustus Brennan, please visit our floral store.