Michael Brendan Cox Sr.
Date of Passing:
Michael Brendan Cox Sr., 85, of Bullock Avenue, Barrington, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, surrounded by the love of his devoted family. He was the cherished husband of Elizabeth “Betsy” (Brooks) Cox, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.
Born in the rolling hills of County Leitrim, Ireland, Michael was the proud son of the late James and Kathleen (Degnan) Cox. Though he made his home in the United States, first in Connecticut, then Florida, and most recently in Barrington, Rhode Island, Ireland always held a sacred place in his heart.
Michael was a hardworking and successful business owner, known not only for his dedication to his work but for his kindness and integrity. He was a proud member of the Irish American Community Center in East Haven, Connecticut, and the West Haven Elks Lodge—both of which brought him lifelong friendships and lasting memories.
Michael enjoyed bowling, bocce, and gardening. He had a lifelong love for horses and was a dedicated follower of the Irish Football League.
Besides his beloved Betsy, he leaves behind three children: Kathleen Cox of Barrington and Eileen Cox of Ireland, and his son Michael B. Cox Jr. and his wife Karen of Barrington. He was the adored grandfather of Timothy, Matthew, Madelyn, Michael, Stephen, and Mallory, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride.
Michael is also survived by his loving siblings: Monica Canna, Anna Egan, Imelda Flynn, Thomas Cox, Leo Cox, Francis Cox, and Eugene Cox. He was predeceased by his dear brothers and sister: John Cox, James Cox, Hugh Cox, and Joan Rynne.
Michael Brendan Cox Sr. will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his proud Irish heritage, and the warmth, wisdom, and love he shared so generously throughout his life. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Angels Church, 341 Maple Avenue, Barrington on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10am. Calling Hours and flowers are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made in Michael’s memory to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
Deepest sympathies to Betsy, Michael, Eileen, Kathy & families, our hearts are broken, great memories to treasure❤️🩹thinking of you all at this terribly sad time, Love: Gene, Genevieve, Alanah, Darren & Nathan x
Queenie me darlin’
Our deepest sympathies and condolences
Such a beautiful obituary
What I will miss is
Brendan’s wry sense of humor delivered with a
twinkle in his eye
Oh, the memories of the Irish diaspora that passed through your Sainted Mother’s house in the early ’60’s
John, Jim, Joan and the best of them all Brendan (Mike)
I see him now at the Hurling pitch at the field day with blood on his legs and face making a play
“Good man, yerself Coxie!”
Twill be a fine place set for him at the table in Heaven
May God rest his eternal soul
The tears fall as I type
All our love to the family
Sad news Met Brendan so many times on trips to Connecticut
He was always full of fun and good humour.
Condolences to all the family
In USA and Leitrim
Rip brendan
My heartfelt sympathy to Dear Betsy and all the Cox Family on your great loss. May Michael Brendan Rest in Peace. He was a wonderful person and a great friend. May God bless all of you at this sad and difficult time. I will keep all the family in my prayers. My love and sympathy.Una.
Sincere condolences to all Brendan’s family. We Met Brendan on several occasions through
my sister Mary Cox who was married to Jimmy rip
May he rest in peace 💐
Our Deepest sympathy to Betsy, Michael, Eileen ,kathy & families anx all of the Cox Family on the passing of Uncle Brendan.He will be dearly missed.May he now rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have nothing but happy and fun memories of you all. Your dad always had a smile and a laugh for whatever antic we found our way into.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and comdolence for your loss
Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy,
I am sorry about the passing of your dad. My thoughts, deepest sympathy and prayers are for you and your family.
DEAR BETSY, My Sincere Condolences to You and Your Family on the Passing of your Beloved Brendan…He was Truly a Man of Kindness, Generosity and Humor…May he RIP….
My deepest sympathy to you Betsy and your family for your loss. I have fun memories of Brendan back when you lived in New Haven .You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Rest in peace Brendan.
Dearest Kathy and family, I will miss those joyful Facebook posts of your dad. He always had a beautiful smile and sense of fun! May God bless his soul and you as you grieve his loss. With my dad dying only 13 days earlier, may our sorrow turn joy knowing that our dads have been called home to Our awesome, loving God.
Love to you all who loved him!
I will always remember hearing of the glorious breakfasts and tea he would prepare so proudly for Kathy and seeing him in shared videos getting up to dance to Irish classics even with his walker.
God bless his soul!
Dearest Betsy and family, We are praying for you at this difficult time. Mike and Betsy were such an important part of our lives in Florida…our very best friends. Betsy, our hearts and prayers are with you and your wonderful, loving family.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family forever.
Dear Cox Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loved ones passing. He was a great man and I remember the days when I used to see him. May god watch over him and bless him and my deepest and most sincere condolences to you all during this very difficult time. May god bless you all🙏🙏 you are all in my thoughts and prayers🙏🙏
Prayers and condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Michael.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Betsy and all the Cox family. We have so many beautiful memories of the many times we spent with Brendan at Morgan Lane. His sense of humor was second to none. God give you all the strength you need at this very difficult time. 🇮🇪☘️
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort.
Mike and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. So many great childhood memories with your dad!! He was an awesome man and a great father! Our condolences to you and your family entire family.
Love AJ & MJ Montz
He was so loved. He is now in the arms of Jesus and reuniting with all of those who have gone before him. He was such a huge part of my happy childhood.
Our Deepest Sympathies & condolences to Betsy and the Cox family!! 🙏 Brendan you were a wonderful neighbour and friend!! Will miss your stories, humour and fantastic sense of humour!!
Your former Irish neighbours
Karl & Emma
Our condolences to Betsy and all of the Cox family. Mike was a great guy. We always had fun with him at Bowling and Bocce. We loved him!
Sending love and light to all those who loved and knew Michael, and especially to his family. ❤️