Kenneth Raymond Broad

Kenneth R. Broad, of Colchester Connecticut, passed away on April 29, 2025, at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. As one close friend shared, “The proud Marine gave it his all, as he always did.”

Born on January 5, 1949, in Hartford, Connecticut, Kenneth was the beloved son of Kenneth L. Broad and Mary (Mudryk) Broad. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Edward McDonald and Michael Broad.

Kenneth is survived by the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Julia (DeLuca) Broad; his children, Jonathan Broad (Crystal Colon) and Kelly Brennan (Robert); and his cherished granddaughter, Charlotte Brennan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law William and Anne Bensch; sisters-in-law Rosemary Broad, Marcella DeLuca, Carol McDonald and Maria Labadia; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who held him dear.

A graduate of Bulkeley High School (Class of ’67) and Central Connecticut State University in 1971 with a degree in History, Kenneth proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from October 1971 to June 1977. He completed boot camp at Parris Island and served at Camp Lejeune during his time in the Reserves.

Professionally, Kenneth built a successful career first as an underwriter for the Aetna and later as a reinsurance broker for DW Van Dyke. He built many lasting friendships throughout his career. His work ethic and dedication were evident throughout his professional life. Ken retired at a young age of 72.

An avid racquetball and squash player, Kenneth was known for his fierce competitiveness on the courts at the Aetna and the Westport YMCA. He participated in—and won—numerous tournaments over the years.

Ken had a deep love for history and music, often found immersed in a book or listening to his vast CD collection. The walls of his home office and inner sanctum are covered in memorabilia spanning his life.

He was a diehard Seinfeld fan. Those who knew him well, know that he often incorporated episodes into daily life. He affectionately referred to Julia as smoopy.

His bond with Julia remained unwavering throughout decades marked by laughter-filled travels and evenings at shows or among friends. For over 40 years they shared a tradition with their high school friend group made up of 4 couples. Ken was often known as the life of their party. They enjoyed fireside conversations and listening to music with dear friends and neighbors. As high school sweethearts who grew together over half a century—they created a partnership filled with shared dreams and lasting memories.

Family was central to Kenneth’s life. Him and Julia are longtime residents of Colchester where they raised their children. He found joy in simple pleasures: watching UConn basketball games, cheering on the Red Sox, NY Giants, and Boston Celtics, or coaching youth soccer and baseball

teams during Jon and Kelly’s younger years. He delighted in being part of their sports journeys—not just as a coach but as their biggest fan.

Summers brought treasured traditions—days spent in Eastham Cape Cod or Ocean City with close family became cherished memories. At the beach, Ken embraced fatherhood fully—earning the affectionate title of “crab monster” from his kids during playful seaside adventures.

In recent years, nothing brought him more joy than being “Hop” to his granddaughter Charlotte. Whether playing pretend with painted nails or getting soaked poolside during summer playdates—he was her constant companion. From movie nights cuddled close to early morning wakeups just to see her smile— their bond brought him immeasurable happiness.

The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the nurses and providers at The Hospital of Central Connecticut Cancer Center and The Hartford Hospital CB2 unit for their excellent care.

Services will be private, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. To raise awareness and support the efforts to provide more treatment options for patients suffering from Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, donations in Kenneth’s honor may be made to The Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association. https://civi.thyca.org/donate/ The Family requests that you choose for your donation to go to Thyroid cancer research and specify anaplastic thyroid cancer in the comments.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.