Captain Brendan Kelly

Captain Brendan Dunnigan Kelly of Southold passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025. He was 55 years old.

The family received friends on Monday, July 14th from 3-7 P.M. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 13805 Main Road (Rte.25), Mattituck, New York 11952, where American Legion Services were held at 6:30 P.M.

Interment with U.S. Coast Guard Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.


Obituary


It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of CAPT Brendan Kelly, USCG (Ret.), a beloved son, brother, father, and dedicated Coast Guard veteran. Brendan passed away recently, after a life marked by service, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his family, country, and community.

Born and raised in Cutchogue, Long Island, Brendan was a 1988 graduate of Mattituck High School. His early life was marked by a love for sports and a drive for excellence. These qualities led him to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in both soccer and baseball. His exceptional talents on the field were later recognized with his induction into the USCG Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1992, embarking on a distinguished career that spanned nearly three decades.

Brendan’s first post-graduation assignment was aboard the USCGC Morgenthau, where he quickly proved himself a capable officer, but his ambition soon led him to flight school and a career in Coast Guard aviation. Over the years, he commanded a variety of aircraft — including Falcons, C-130s, and Gulfstream V jets — and was ultimately selected to serve as Pilot to the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Secretary of Homeland Security. Brendan’s professionalism, skill, and leadership earned him the respect and admiration of all who served with him.

After retiring from the Coast Guard in 2019, Brendan brought his formidable talents and leadership to the business world. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brendan had a lifelong passion for tennis and boating, and found great fulfillment in mentoring young athletes as a high school tennis coach. He also found immense joy in coaching his sons, Colin and Mitchell, in baseball, sharing his love for the game directly with them. Brendan was a true and loyal friend. He invested deeply in relationships, resulting in many longtime friendships based on trust, kindness, support, and shared experiences.

Friends and family were everything to Brendan. He was predeceased by his father, Brian, and is survived by his mother, Barbara; his brother, Sean; his sisters, Colleen and Noreen; his half-sister, Shelley; his girlfriend, Mandy Hansen; a large extended family; and many close friends. Brendan is also survived by his former wife, Eileen Kelly, and his sons, Colin and Mitchell, who were the most important part of his life and the source of his greatest pride.

Brendan’s family received friends from 3-7 PM on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 13805 Main Road (Rte.25), Mattituck, New York 11952, where American Legion Services were held at 6:30 PM. Interment with US Coast Guard Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future.

CAPT Brendan Kelly’s legacy is one of steadfast service to his country and community, and deep love for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Messages of Sympathy

Eileen and family,\r\nWe are so sorry to for your loss. We thought the world of Brendan and will always remember the impact he had on Shawn as a coach. \r\nSending you all hugs and prayers during this difficult time. \r\nThe Fleetwood Family

by AnnMarie Fleetwood
2025-07-10 7:31:12 PM

We are broken hearted. We will keep his amazing light with us. Love, Kath

by Kathy McCaffery
2025-07-10 8:10:37 PM

My sincere condolences. May he rest in Buckethead Haven - a great individual, gentleman, Father, Officer and a superb softball player.\r\n\r\nBuckethead Central

by Jason Church
2025-07-10 8:22:02 PM

Eileen, Colin and Mitchell, we are deeply saddened and so very sorry for your loss. Brendan was an incredibly loving and giving person and he will terribly missed. Rest in peace, my friend.

by Thanh, Joe, Dylan and Ethan Janney
2025-07-11 1:43:05 AM

Our sincerest condolences to the entire Kelly family. As a fellow Coast Guard officer, Brendan was a friend and great shipmate. \r\n\r\nHe always had a smile, a fun and engaging laugh, and made time for those around him. He was a person you wanted to be around.\r\n\r\nHe will be sorely missed but his memory will linger in all those who knew him.\r\n\r\nMark and Amy Fedor

by Mark Fedor
2025-07-11 7:08:25 PM

Patty and I are deeply saddened to hear of Brendan’s passing. The Coast Guard Academy Class of 1992 is sad, as well. We flew together as Coast Guard aviators at Air Station Cape Cod, and he was an excellent aviator who served to save lives. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

by Joe Buzzella
2025-07-11 8:38:34 PM

We are so sorry to hear about Brendan\'s passing, please accept our deepest condolences. Since meeting him on the soccer field back in 1988 I have known Brendan to be a good friend to all. He will be greatly missed.

by Eric Kowack
2025-07-11 11:12:40 PM

I am heartbroken to hear of Brendan’s passing. The times at Air Station Cape Cod were some of my best memories and Brendan was such a big part of what made the Cape so special. I was honored that he came to my retirement in 2015. My prayers are with the Kelly family during this unimaginable time of grief.

by Kendall Garran
2025-07-12 1:31:33 AM

BK was a mentor to me and taught me what real leadership looked like. I was extremely fortunate to serve with on the USCGC Morgenthau. His life impacted many in a positive way.

by John Turner
2025-07-12 1:44:10 AM

Sending deep condolences to the family of Brendan. His smile and kindness touched the lives of many. Praying for peace and comfort for all who knew him. Janie (Clark) Thomas, CGA ‘92

by Janie Thomas
2025-07-12 2:34:20 AM

So very sorry to hear this. I also served with Brendan at Cape Cod. He was always kind, respectful, and a consummate professional - he taught me a lot. RIP Coastie!

by Claudia McKnight
2025-07-12 8:18:34 PM

I’m blessed to know Brendan and his wonderful kindness, steadfast friendship and giving heart. A great friend to everyone.

by Tony Hahn
2025-07-13 8:28:13 PM

Dear Eileen, Mitchel, Colin, and the entire family, I’m so sorry to hear about Brendan’s passing. I had the chance to spend time with him down in Columbia for a USC game, and he had such a contagious energy. Brendan was positive, warm, and full of life. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

by Aidan Mccloskey
2025-07-13 11:51:12 PM

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. As a classmate of Brendan\'s, he was always a very good friend. Though it has been a few years since my wife Sue and I had the opportunity to visit him and family, I carry him very much in my heart. Knowing the CG family, I am sure there is no shortage of help. Still, please let me know if there is any support I can provide.

by Mike McGurkin
2025-07-14 3:34:38 PM

We are so deeply saddened to hear of Brendan’s passing . We will remember fondly the days that “The Kelly\'s” lived across the street from us. Brendan was a great dad, and fun-loving. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

by Rob, Kari, Claire, and Audrey Baker
2025-07-14 7:45:19 PM

Colin, Mitchell, and family,\r\n\r\nI am absolutely gutted by your loss. Brendan was a great friend and a true role model. Every time we worked together, he spoke so proudly of his kids and was always focused on doing the very best for them. His love for you all was evident in everything he did.\r\n\r\nPlease accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.\r\n\r\nFair winds and following seas, Brendan.

by Wes Schenck
2025-07-15 2:12:52 AM

We are heartbroken about Brendan\'s passing. He brightened all of our lives and we\'re proud to have been his CGA classmates. He was always kind and positively impacted everyone he interacted with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless all of you.

by Matt and MJ Meilstrup
2025-07-15 12:50:54 PM

Ellen and I are so sorry to hear about Brendan’s passing and send our deepest condolences. I served as his Management Instructor and Class Advisor at the Coast Guard Academy and enjoyed teaching and advising Brendan during his time there. Since his graduation in 1992 I have been delighted to see Brendan and hear about his outstanding personal and professional successes. He is loved by his classmates and will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend. Pat and Ellen Kelly

by Pat Kelly
2025-07-16 1:26:37 PM

Classmate, I will miss your sunny smile & consistent friendly greeting whenever our paths crossed. Your absence is tenderly felt. I pray you find solace in the next chapter. \r\n\r\nWe are all stardust. \r\n\r\nHugs & Aloha,\r\nTamara Koermer (neé Tami Kramlich) CGA\'92

by Tamara Koermer
2025-07-19 2:08:30 PM

Please forgive this late message but I only heard about Brendan\'s passing recently. I was his supervisor at a very difficult assignment. We were plain-clothed Intelligence Officers on loan to the Department of Justice at the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown, PA, in the mid 1990s. The Coast Guard was one of a dozen different agencies conducting Counter-drug intelligence work. In this non-typical assignment, Brendan did the Coast Guard proud with his work resulting in several significant drug seizures. He was an outstanding Coast Guard Officer, Patriot and friend. He is missed.

by Dan Slyker
2025-07-31 7:54:58 PM