Brian D. Rennell, 72

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Brian D. Rennell, 72, of North Adams, a loving husband, father, grandfather, avid fisherman and consummate do-it-yourselfer, passed away on May 7 at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his family. Death followed a battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a brutal disease that he faced with courage and grace.

Brian was born on August 17, 1950, son of the late Clarence and Doris (Stevens) Rennell. Brian spent his childhood playing baseball, exploring the woods around the Cascades and fishing for trout, often with his many cousins.

He attended local schools, graduated from Drury High School in 1968, and attended Suffolk University. He was a talented baseball player, daredevil skier, and never encountered a pool he did not cannonball into.

Brian was former owner of Bill’s Sporting Goods, and spent his working life as a foreman in pipeline construction.

Brian loved the outdoors, family trips to Florida, and he was happiest when bass fishing and playing in the pool with his children and grandchildren. He was an excellent cook, completed crossword puzzles in pen and loved British comedies, but his favorite thing and one of the greatest joys of his life was spending time with his grandchildren.

Brian is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie J. (Law) Rennell. They were married July 22, 1972. Bonnie tirelessly cared for Brian at home during his final months. He also leaves his four children: Allison Bergeron and her husband, his bonus son, Ian Bergeron, of North Adams; Nicole Rennell of Adams; Brian A. Rennell of North Adams; his beloved grandchildren, Alexander and Jane Bergeron; his sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Richard Roy of Brevard, North Carolina; aunt Barbara Myers of Hatfield; sister-in-law Barbara Sherman and her husband Ralph of Castleton, New York; and several nieces and their families. Brian also leaves his lifelong friends Joseph Lentine of Adams, and Andy Steele of Asheville, North Carolina. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Dale Rennell Bouvier.

The family would be remiss if we did not mention that Brian also leaves his faithful cat companion of over 15 years, his 7 toed pretty boy, Hobbes.

Brian’s family would like to thank his visiting nurse Lisa Whitman, and Hospice Care in the Berkshires, especially his nurse Julie Lamphere. We would also like to thank the many friends and family who supported us, particularly Bonnie’s “sister from another mother”, Ellen Dupuis, who went above and beyond in her support during Brian’s final days.

Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Brian Rennell will be on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 3-6 PM at the Flynn & Dagnoli – WEST CHAPEL 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 PM. Donations may be made to Compassion & Choices, or the AYJ fund, in care of the funeral home. To add to the book of memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com