Donald Southworth Brodeur, Sr., of Old Saybrook was granted eternal rest on Aug. 2. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
Donald was born at home March 9, 1931, to Victor and Elizabeth (Southworth) Brodeur in West Hartford. He attended Old Lyme Elementary and High schools and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1957 with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.
Don met the one and only love of his life, Elizabeth “Nancy” Hartung, when each of their families was watching a parade in Hartford; Don was six years old and Nancy five. He recounted the first time he saw Nancy and said, “I have to meet that girl.” Fate would eventually bring them together again when both of their families relocated to Old Lyme. They started dating in high school, graduated together, and married in 1954. Their deep love and loyal commitment to one another blessed them with 10 healthy children and a love story that spanned over 80 years. When asked what the most important ingredient for a happy and successful marriage was, Don always answered, “Respect.”
Donald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as an airman first class in February 1955.
Don started his career in New York City at EY (formerly Ernst & Ernst). Following his employment there, he co-founded the firm known as Brodeur & Kenney CPAs in 1963 with an office in Niantic. Over the years, his firm flourished and expanded with offices in Old Saybrook and Waterford and came to be known as Brodeur & Company CPAs. When Don retired in 1995, his two sons, Donald, Jr., and Stephan, both CPAs, assumed ownership. In his retirement, Don was a fixture at the Black Hall Golf Club and also enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his children and grandchildren.
He believed in a life dedicated to service. Among the many ways he served his community was as co-founder of the Old Saybrook Racquet Club. He served on both the Board of Education and Board of Finance as chairmans of the Town of Old Lyme and later the Board of Trustees at St. Bernard High School in Uncasville. He also served on the University of Connecticut School of Business Advisory Council. He was the Connecticut Society of CPAs president in 1987 and later received the governor’s appointment to the State Board of Accountancy. In 1999, he received the Connecticut Society of CPAs Meritorious Service Award.
The Haitian Health Foundation and the Diocese of Norwich were among the many charities and organizations that he supported. He was a dedicated member of Christ the King Church in Old Lyme and in recent years St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook. His Catholic faith was central to his life and the foundation of his family and professional career.
Donald was the sixth of seven siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Elizabeth “Nancy” Hartung Brodeur, and children Donald, Jr., and wife Karen (Agres), Elizabeth and partner Rich Kay, Jonathan and wife Susan (Andrews), Christopher and wife Meg (Randall), Rosemary and fiancé Michael Cairns, Eric and wife Stacie (Skinner), Stephan, Stephanie and partner Thomas Felicetti, and Marc and wife Jennifer (O’Connell). He was predeceased by his son Timothy and wife Terri (Sottile). He will be deeply missed by his 25 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Donald is also survived by his sister Marjorie Brodeur of Massachusetts and was predeceased by his parents; brothers Victor Brodeur, William Brodeur, and John Brodeur; and sisters Jean Kennedy and Barbara Brodeur.
The family wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to his highly skilled, compassionate caregivers Eha and Tasha over recent years.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme followed by burial with military honors in the Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 785, New London, CT. 06320, www.tbbcf.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, www.michaeljfox.org.
The Brodeur family requests that all guests attending the visitation would kindly wear a mask.
To share a memory of Don or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.
