Richard Brazalovich

Richard Brazalovich, 80, of East Hartford, loving husband of 33 years of Kathleen McNamara, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 after a courageous long illness. Known also as “Rich”, “Braz”, and “Chief”, he was born in Hartford on April 8, 1943 a son of the late Harold and Mary (Pulaski) Brazalovich and was a resident of East Hartford for over 40 years. He was a graduate of A.I. Price Technical High School in Hartford, class of 1961 and earned his Associates Degree in Law from Manchester Community College in 1972. He was a proud veteran of U.S. Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from the Navy in 1964, Rich started his career in law enforcement as a police officer for the city of Hartford. Two years later in 1966 he joined the East Hartford Police Department. Over the next 25 years, he was a devoted police officer who earned many accolades from town residents and town officials. Rich finally retired in 1991 as Chief of Police for the town of East Hartford.

After retiring from law enforcement, Rich graduated from the Connecticut Culinary Institute in West Hartford and became a wonderful chef. He enjoyed cooking and baking delicious meals for his family and friends to enjoy, especially his famous Lemon Meringue cake. Braz was a member of the former B.P.O. E. Lodge #2063 in East Hartford, East Hartford Police Benevolent Association, and the East Hartford P & F pond. Always willing to work, he also worked part-time as a greens keeper at the East Hartford Golf Course.

A good athlete throughout his life, Rich enjoyed playing basketball and golfing with fellow police officers and friends. He was a longtime loyal fan of the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New York Giants. He loved going to Cape Cod, MA with his wife and sailing in their sailboat together during the summer and fall. He and Kathy were also lovers of Golden Retrievers and had several of their own. Most of all, Rich will be remembered for his infectious smile, bear hugs, and his glorious personality.

Along with his cherished wife Kathy, Rich is survived by a son, Richard “Rick” Brazalovich and his wife Rachel of Enfield; a daughter, Sandra Guerci and her husband Joseph of Springfield, MA; a brother-in-law, Richard McNamara and his wife Maryann of Seattle, WA and their daughter, Kalin Tegman and her husband Kale and their two children of Aspen, CO; two special nieces, Sheri Devaux and her husband Rich of Tolland, Stacie Brazalovich of Florida; a special nephew, Michael Ratti and his wife Karen of Stafford; a very caring dear friend, Kelly McElroy and her husband Jim of East Hartford; special friends, Neville Brooks, Joe Noel and his wife Carol, Bobby Rohner and his wife Maryanne, Joe Tatisciore and his wife Maria all of East Hartford; several other nieces, nephews, and friends. Besides his parents, Rich was predeceased by four brothers, Edward, Walter, Harold, and Matthew Brazalovich; and two sisters, Mary Ratti and Patty Brazalovich.

Funeral service will be Tuesday (May 23, 2023) at 11 am at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Monday (May 22, 2023) from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of CT, 200 Executive Blvd, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or to Golden Hugs Rescue, P.O. Box 299, Waitsfield, VT 05673. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.