NAUGATUCK — Juel Anders Brinchman, of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Jan. 14, 2017 at St Mary’s VITAS Healthcare. This past Tuesday, he shared fond memories and celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends. Juel was the devoted husband to the late Louise Brinchman for 59 years.
Born Jan. 10, 1927 in Westbrook, Maine, Juel was the son of the late Olive (Pearl) and Juel Brinchman. After attending the South Portland School system, Juel enlisted in the United States Navy at age 16 with his father’s approval. At age 17, he served on the USS AULT in the Pacific Theater from 1944-1946 as a second-class seaman. Overseas, Juel took part in the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Once back home, he worked in a variety of trades and retired from Post University.
An active member of the community, Juel was a Commissioner of the HUD Housing Board and a member of Post 17 American Legion. Juel was a devout Lutheran and served as an elder of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. His greatest joys were watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events and spending summers with his family vacationing in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He was a lifelong Rangers fan and loved playing the slots at Mohegan Sun.
Juel is survived by his two sons, Juel D. and his wife Susan Brinchman of San Diego, Calif.; and Robert Brinchman of Naugatuck; grandchildren, Joshua and his wife, Mone Brinchman, Daniel Brinchman, Keely Brinchman and her fiancé, Zachary Lerman, Robert Brinchman and his fiancé, Mara Casillas, and Sean Brinchman. He also leaves his two sisters, Ruth Brinchman and Charlotte Brinchman of Portland, Maine; daughter in-law, Maureen Brinchman; and his nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Louise, several siblings predeceased Juel.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Raissi and the staff on the third and fourth floors at St. Mary’s Hospital for their support and kindness.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. Funeral services and military honors will follow at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 350 Millville Ave., Naugatuck. Members of the Naugatuck Veterans Council will assemble at the funeral home Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
