Obituary: Bryan David Cottrell

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Bryan David Cottrell

On Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, Bryan David Cottrell, 44, passed away unexpectedly in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was formerly of Naugatuck.

Bryan was born at Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, on May 28, 1976, to Janet and Dennis Cottrell of Naugatuck.

In addition to his parents, Bryan leaves his two beloved children, Alyssa and Lucas Cottrell, as well as their mother, Heather Conner, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. His greatest joys came from watching Alyssa develop all her creative talents, and seeing the energy and enthusiasm driving Lucas’s success at gymnastics and football. He deeply loved them and was so proud of all they accomplished.

He will be missed by his brother, Chris, and sister-in-law, Mallory, of Vernon; as well as his nephew, Aaron, and niece, Madeline, whose Facetime calls always made him laugh. Also surviving him are several aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States.

Bryan grew up in Naugatuck and was active in several sports throughout his youth. He especially loved playing basketball, and later coached for YMCA Little Pal Basketball and the Friday Night League in Naugatuck. Some of his happiest times were summer vacations spent in New Jersey, fishing and swimming with his grandparents, the late Stephen and Helen Kacsur, and the late Fred and Martha Cottrell.

Bryan was a caring and compassionate man, who spent the last several years of his career working in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. He took great pride in providing help, as he could, to others suffering from addiction. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched along the way.

There will be no calling hours. A private memorial and celebration of his life will be held, in Connecticut, for family and close friends later in the year.