Obituaries

Pierre "Pete" Brochu

October 16, 1932 - December 13, 2016

Burial Date December 16, 2016

Pierre “Pete” Brochu, 84 of Waterford, passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2016.

Born on October 16, 1932 in Hardwick, VT to the late Francois and Emelia (Roy) Brochu, Pete’s family relocated to Waterford as a young child where he would continue to reside for the rest of his life. Pete graduated from St. Joseph’s School as Vice President of his class in 1947- an experience that would instill a lifelong commitment to public service.

Pete married the love of his life, Helen (Kulakowski) Brochu on May 30, 1953 in St. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church in Hartford. Together they raised five wonderful children in what can only be described as an idyllic childhood. His children are forever grateful for everything their father taught them, not only through his words but also his actions.

In 1950, Pete began work at General Dynamics Electric Boat. He continued to work there until his retirement as Design Engineering Supervisor after 45 years of service. In addition to his corporate experience at Electric Boat, Pete spent much of his time dedicated to serving the greater Waterford community through financial, community, and civic organizations.

Pete served Charter Oak Federal Credit Union for four decades, first as a Supervisory Committee Member for seven years, and as a Board Member since 1981. During his years as Chairman of the Board, Charter Oak experienced profound growth, going from three branches and $293 million in assets in 1994 to twelve branches and $702 million in assets by year end of 2011, something Pete was very proud of. In addition to his dedication to Charter Oak, Pete also served on the Board of Directors for the Credit Union League of Connecticut and was an active member of the Eastern Connecticut Chapter of the Credit Union League of Connecticut.

Never ceasing his relentless work ethic, Pete also served as a representative on the Waterford Town Meeting Committee as well as on the Zoning Board of Appeals, where he finished his tenure as Chairman. Pete managed to stay blissfully happy in his 63 year marriage to Helen, he could often be found gardening or working on projects with her at home.

In addition to Helen, Pete is survived by his five children, Karen Brochu and John Capuano of Portland, OR, Janet and her husband Gerarld Bourgault of Niantic, Gary and and his wife Suzanne Brochu of Oakdale, Lisa and her husband Leonard Radziwanowicz of Seattle, WA, and Andrea and her husband John Hartke of Waterford. Five grandchildren, a source of great pride for Pete also survive him, Chelsea, Alyssa, Arianna, Brian, and Alexander. Calling hours are Friday, December 15th at The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave. New London from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Family and friends may gather for a Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, December 16, 2016 at 10 am in the Church of St. Agnes, 22 Haigh Ave. Niantic. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to, American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492.