Colin Brenan of Marblehead passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 30, after a five year battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Sandra Moores, proud father of Julia Brenan (Nicolai von Oppeln-Bronikowski) and Michael Brenan (Meagan Murtagh). Colin is also survived by his siblings James Brenan (Josee Normand) and Mary Ellen Murphy (nee. Brenan) (Philip Murphy) along with numerous nieces, as well as extended family in Canada.
Colin was born on October 6, 1960, in Stoughton to the late John A.B. and M. Jean (Peterson) Brenan. Colin spent his childhood in Needham where he developed his love of science, nature and an insatiable curiosity for the world around him. As a Boy Scout, he achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout, which instilled in him a lifelong passion for service. After graduation from Needham High School, he pursued a bachelor of science degree in physics (honors), 1982, a masters of science. in electrical engineering, 1989, and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, 1997, all from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. It was during this time he met and married his lifelong partner Sandra and the family grew. Following Colin’s graduation from McGill, the family relocated to Marblehead for his postdoctoral work at MIT in Cambridge.
Colin was professionally best known as a serial entrepreneur, inventor and experienced executive in the biotech industry. His goal was always to make meaningful impacts in drug development, improving the lives of everyone. This was notably achieved through several co-inventions and subsequent companies that revolutionized small molecule drug discovery. Colin was prolific in his career as an inventor on 24 US and foreign patents and more than 20 pending patent applications. These inventions enable scientific advancement globally. He skillfully navigated several start-ups to fruition with offices in Europe and Asia and was especially proud of 1CellBio which he founded in his Marblehead basement, with son, Michael, at his side.
Colin will be remembered for his commitment to his community. A dedicated father, Colin coached both Julia and Michael’s Marblehead soccer teams for many years. Always the eager volunteer, he served in support and leadership roles for a number of professional organizations, including the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers. During his long career he liberally donated his time and energy to teaching and mentoring young entrepreneurs in the biotech space.
Colin’s love of sailing began in his father’s home-built wooden boat on lakes in Massachusetts and Maine. There was nothing Colin enjoyed more than sailing out of Salem Harbor on a blustery day.
Beloved husband, father, brother, friend and role model, Colin will be deeply missed for his keen intellect, insatiable curiosity, eternal optimism and consummate kindness. He inspires us all.
In conjunction with IEEE, a scholarship will be established in Colin’s name at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Colin’s family.
