Brennan D Hairston

Brennan D. Hairston Sr., 61, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Somerville, MA. Born in Bessemer, AL, April 15, 1963, to Willa and Billie Hairston, Brennan was welcomed in love. Brennan was the oldest of his brothers. His life as a protecter and provider stems from childhood. Brennan moved to Cambridge where his personality took form, his boyish smile and funny wit made him the light of every room he went into. His confidence and charisma filled the room before he even entered it, a trait that he carried throughout his life. The family moved to Newbury Street, Somerville, where the Hairston’s called home for nearly 45 years. He became a world class athlete with natural ability and grit that was undeniable. Excelling in every sport: Track, Baseball, Basketball and his biggest love of all- football. Brennan was an All-Star Running Back for Somerville High School. Brennan set records that became stories we heard every family gathering of the glory days of one of the fastest men Somerville had seen.

Brennan’s personal life took shape in June of 1993, when he welcomed his first born, his son, Brennan Hairston Jr.. Experiencing his first Father’s Day on his son’s first birthday, an honor he held deeply. Shortly after, he welcomed his daughter, Tianna, on Father’s Day of 1996. A coincidence to many but to Brennan there were no such things as coincidences, he believed God gave him his children surrounded by a day of love.

Brennan worked as a Roofer and Waterproofer for Local Union 33 to provide for his family. A tough and laborious job that filled him with pride and comradery with his brothers in the union. Brennan made home and family wherever he went. He was never a man of mystery but a man of intent—his only intention was being the best version of himself he could be. Brennan was tough. He loved hard and wore his heart on his sleeve. He never backed down from a fight or a challenge and always stepped up to every occasion. Brennan would often reference himself as the World’s Strongest Man; and he was, in every sense of the word—Strong. He had a soft side however, he loved the sky, it was bigger than he was, there were layers and complexities in the sky deeper than earthly understanding which helped open his eyes to the beauties of the world. He watched every sunrise and sunset, every chance he could, admiring the shifts in light per minute-capturing them in snapshots to share with his family; a tradition he started long ago on roofs throughout Boston on a disposable camera. We now look to the sky for signs from beyond that he is with us and at peace.

Brennan is survived by his wife and mother of his children, Susan Picardo-Hairston of Medford, his son Brennan (Arianna) Hairston Jr and daughter Tianna Hairston of Somerville. Brennan also survived his mother Willa D. Hairston and Brothers Billie (Lisa) and Kevin (Anna) Hairston of Cambridge; his sister Cherryce Williams of Boston. His Uncles Reginald and Ernest of Bessemer, AL as well as his life partner Kristen Roketenetz-Brown and his stepchildren Aiva Brown and Tayte Roketenetz. Brennan will be reunited with his late stepson Jesse Brown of Woburn and be welcomed to eternal peace by his grandparents the late Steve and Lizzie Williams of Bessemer, AL. Brennan also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, especially his grandson due later this year, Cameron Vincent Hairston. He loved you all beyond life itself. His love will live on forever and will be truly missed by all.

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