Timothy L. Braunstein

Timothy L. Braunstein, 70, of Ellington, beloved husband of Patricia (Malone) Braunstein, passed away on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at Hartford Hospital after a courageous battle with a long illness.

He was born Aug. 28, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio, son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Miller) Braunstein. He attended and played football for Roger Bacon High School in Ohio, from which he graduated in 1961. Immediately after high school he enlisted in the United States Navy until 1966, serving honorably as an airman during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was so proud to have his name written on the outside of his own plane. After the Navy, continuing with his passion for airplanes, he was employed by Pratt & Whitney, becoming the one millionth member of its union. He then worked at Prudential Insurance, from which he retired after years of service as an insurance agent. After retiring, he started his own home-based business, which grew into a large barcode equipment company before selling it due to his declining health. Tim was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 14 in Vernon, where he loved to go and sit to watch a sports game, his favorites being UConn basketball and the New England Patriots. Timothy was a longtime member of the Catholic Church and was comforted by his faith in God. He was affectionately known as "Grampy" to so many other than his grandchildren and touched the lives of everyone with his gentle smile. He worked hard every day to provide for his family and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children whom he loved dearly, Thomas Braunstein of Ellington, Bethany Koehler of New Hampshire, and Kathryn Dunn of Ellington; his brother, Terrance Braunstein, and his wife, Dottie, of Ohio; his sister, Elizabeth Braunstein of Ohio; two brothers-in-law, James Malone, and his wife, Michelle, of Maine, and Raymond Malone of Florida; his grandchildren whom he adored, Zachary, Paige, Rileigh, and Mackenzie; and great-granddaughter, Neveah; along with many special nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, the Rev. Thomas Braunstein o.f.m. and David Braunstein.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, Rockville. Burial will be private at the Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.

The family would like to thank his home health nurse, Leslie, for all the care and love she has given him these past years. We would also like to thank the staff at Hartford Hospital intensive care unit for their compassion and care for him during his final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to American Lung Association.

Pietras Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements. For online condolences please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com