Patrick Cavanaugh Brennan

Patrick Cavanaugh Brennan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 lovingly surrounded by his family. He was 61 years old.

Patrick was born on June 23, 1960 to Gale and Mary Brennan, the fifth of eleven surviving children. Patrick is survived by his wife Brigid; his children Kate, Cavanaugh, Maggie, and Sadie; and his siblings Bridget (Doug), John (Kaori), Brian (Nola), Maura (Michael), Maggie (Joe), Sheila (Kevin), Terry (Brendan), Joel (Audra), and Sarah (Brett). He is preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Mary Brennan; his eldest sister Katie Dillig, and his firstborn son Phillip.

Patrick was a highly skilled and respected lawyer and a relentless lifelong advocate for justice. He demonstrated unparalleled courage and tenacity both in and out of the courtroom, fiercely defended the rights of his clients, and avidly pursued fair treatment on their behalf without regard to their station or circumstance.

Patrick was outspoken and resolute in his convictions, but his temperament was gentle. He was well known for his magnetic disposition and impossibly quick wit. He was an avid reader, a gifted writer, an expert storyteller, and a wizard at the New York Times crossword puzzle. He was a steadfast Wisconsin sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of sports history and statistics. He was a Hall-of-Fame-caliber basketball coach, his illustrious 40+ year volunteer coaching career having culminated in the esteemed Padre Serra Tournament Championship. Patrick was a beloved friend, a trusted mentor, a cherished brother, and a revered uncle and brother-in-law.

Most importantly, he was the best husband and father that his wife and children could have ever dreamed of. He cared for them tenderly, protected them fiercely, and loved them unconditionally. He instilled in them a profound responsibility to make a difference, and endowed them with the coaching and confidence necessary to strive to honor that responsibility. His children will always be inspired by his boundless intellect, his fighting spirit, and his selfless heart. He showed them how to be exceptional, simply by being who he was.

Patrick Brennan’s quick wit, generous heart, and implacably mischievous spirit will be sorely missed but not soon forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Patrick's life will take place on Friday, October 1st at 10:00 AM at the Church of Gesu in Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, donations in Patrick’s name to the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center Research or to the ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter are appreciated.

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