Robert J. Brule

BRULE, ROBERT J., 63, formerly of Waterford, CT. passed away on March 22, 2004 at his home in Irving TX. Bob was born and raised in Newington, CT., where in high school he was an accomplished baseball player and talented musician. He was then awarded a scholarship to attend the Hartt College of Music. Following Hartt, he auditioned for and was accepted into the United States Coast Guard Band, based in New London. After serving twelve years as a trumpet player in the USCG Band, Bob was honored with an appointment as Director of Cadet Bands at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. During his tenure there, he founded the Windjammer's Invitational Marching Band Competition, now in its 23rd year of operation. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Marketing from the University of Connecticut. In 1978, he founded the Noank & Mystic Community Band, serving as Director until 1985, when he retired from the Coast Guard with 24 years of service. Shortly thereafter, he relocated to Irving, TX., pursuing employment in the private music sector. Bob and his wife Donna (formerly of Somerset, PA.) were married in Irving on March 17, 1988. Bob became the Director of the Irving Symphonic Band in 1990 and served in this capacity until December of 2003, at which time he was appointed Director Emeritus. Following a longtime dream, Bob founded Cimarron Music and Productions in 1993, nurturing and expanding it into a thriving sole proprietorship and operated it until his death. Bob is survived by his loving wife Donna Brule, his children; Allison Giebelhaus of Brea, CA., Tracy Brule of North Windham, CT., Robert Brule of Waterford, CT. and Jeffrey Brule of North Charlestown, SC.; grandchildren, Janie Lynn Giebelhaus and Anne Marie Giebelhaus of Brea, CA., Hannah Brule of North Windham, CT. and Jeffrey and Jason Brule of North Charleston, SC.; brothers, Eugene Brule of Bristol, CT. and Martin Brule. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 25, 2004 from 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Rhoton Funeral home in Carrollton, TX. Military honors to follow at the DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Irving Symphonic Band in care of Lola Brown, President; 1500 Mayflower, Irving, TX. 75061. Dignity Memorial Rhoton Funeral Home I35 at Crosby Rd. Carrollton (972) 242-5261