Obituary for Robert William Brakeman Jr.
Litchfield-Robert (Bill) William Brakeman Jr. was born on March 10, 1938 in Evanston, IL and died on February 14, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Bill is survived by his wife Lee Brakeman, his four children Beverley Brakeman, Jill Brakeman and husband Lee Thompson, Robert Brakeman and wife Anne Brakeman and John Brakeman and his grandchildren who he adored – Gillian, Izzy, Will, Eliza, Phoebe and Dylan. He is also survived by his two sisters Diane Payne and her husband Bill Payne and Beth Matthews and their children Denise Papp, Melissa Bellis, Sean Capper and Scott Capper.
A graduate of Mount Herman School and then Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Bill put his education to good use as a successful and accomplished electrical engineer and entrepreneur. Working gave Bill a tremendous sense of purpose in life. Up until the age of 81, he worked in Stratford, CT at Sonic Corporation, a small manufacturing company that he founded. His son Rob joined him in 1990. Bill never missed a day of work and played a key role in the company’s continued success.
He will always be remembered by his four children as a father who prioritized their happiness and success. He was deeply proud of each of them and they hope he left this earth knowing how much he contributed to giving them the best possible start in life.
Those who knew Bill will always remember his fierce and quick wit, sense of humor, kind and generous nature, ability to see the best in everyone, and love for his wife, children and grandchildren. While content to read his newest novel, binge watch a new Netflix drama, upgrade his newest gadget, or play on his computer, he loved being outside boating, travelling, volunteering at the Litchfield Hills Road Race and sitting with family by his pool. An avid pilot as a younger man, Bill remained passionate about flying his entire life.
A dog lover at heart and an amazing friend to so many in his community, Bill leaves his sweet golden retrievers Gracie Rose and Lucy Lu and his Litchfield family to take care of Lee and embrace her in the days and weeks ahead.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bill’s name to Possum Queen Foundation Helping Medically Burdened Northwest Connecticut-ers with Heart and Humor at Possum Queen Foundation. PO BOX 1507 Litchfield, CT 06759.
Visiting hours will be 11:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday February 22, 2020 at Thurston Rowe Funeral Home 283 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT 06759. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
A graduate of Mount Herman School and then Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Bill put his education to good use as a successful and accomplished electrical engineer and entrepreneur. Working gave Bill a tremendous sense of purpose in life. Up until the age of 81, he worked in Stratford, CT at Sonic Corporation, a small manufacturing company that he founded. His son Rob joined him in 1990. Bill never missed a day of work and played a key role in the company’s continued success.
He will always be remembered by his four children as a father who prioritized their happiness and success. He was deeply proud of each of them and they hope he left this earth knowing how much he contributed to giving them the best possible start in life.
Those who knew Bill will always remember his fierce and quick wit, sense of humor, kind and generous nature, ability to see the best in everyone, and love for his wife, children and grandchildren. While content to read his newest novel, binge watch a new Netflix drama, upgrade his newest gadget, or play on his computer, he loved being outside boating, travelling, volunteering at the Litchfield Hills Road Race and sitting with family by his pool. An avid pilot as a younger man, Bill remained passionate about flying his entire life.
A dog lover at heart and an amazing friend to so many in his community, Bill leaves his sweet golden retrievers Gracie Rose and Lucy Lu and his Litchfield family to take care of Lee and embrace her in the days and weeks ahead.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bill’s name to Possum Queen Foundation Helping Medically Burdened Northwest Connecticut-ers with Heart and Humor at Possum Queen Foundation. PO BOX 1507 Litchfield, CT 06759.
Visiting hours will be 11:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday February 22, 2020 at Thurston Rowe Funeral Home 283 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT 06759. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.