WATERBURY — Brett Robert Downs, 41, beloved son, grandson, father, brother, nephew and uncle, of Waterbury, died unexpectedly at his home Tuesday, May 16, 2023. His death ended his long battle with addiction, and came after 10 years of sobriety.
Brett was born in Bristol, March 12, 1982, son of Roger L. Downs of Tennessee and Lizbeth Benson of Naugatuck. He was a graduate of Southington High School. He was an outstanding athlete, playing basketball in junior high and high school, lacrosse for Cheshire Academy and football for Southington High.
He was a talented artist whose attention to detail was remarkable. Brett loved his family; more than anything he loved his two boys, Brett and Damon.
He leaves behind a family who cherished their time with him and who loved him beyond what any words can express.
In addition to his father Roger (Connie) and mother Lizbeth (John Brennan), Brett is survived by his two sons, Brett A. Downs of Naugatuck, and Damon Downs of Milford; brother Shane Downs and his wife Jacqueline of Waterbury; grandparents Robert and Josephine Downs of Simsbury; beloved nephew and niece Jackson and Savannah Downs; uncle Brian Downs and his wife Mary of Simsbury; aunt Phillis Benson of Minnesota, uncle Jon Benorden of California, uncle Samuel Benson and his wife Jan of Florida, aunt Lyn Brennan of Cheshire; several cousins and many friends, especially his “second family” at Signatures Restaurant, where he worked since last August.
“I love you more than 10,000 houses.”
Brett will be loved and missed forever.
Funeral services were to be Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 N. Main St., Naugatuck. Friends were to visit with the family from 9 a.m. until the start of services at 11. Burial was to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Southington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers at t2t.org.
To send an online condolence, please visit naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.
