Brian S. Fraser

Waterbury, CT
Brian S. Fraser
"Beloved husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather"
Brian Stephen Fraser, a 78-year-old native of Waterbury, Connecticut, made his ascent into the alluring afterlife to begin his new journey on Friday, October 18, 2024. His wife, dearest love, and soulmate of 56 years, Barbara Ann (Place) Fraser, surrounded him with warmth, adoration, and comforting sounds at their home, ensuring his transition was peaceful and untroubled and free.
A true lover of life and all that it encompasses, Brian always saw the world in color, which will forever remain illuminated and transcend the testament of time. As he settles into heaven, it's easy to believe he is in a meadow of gladiolas and black-eyed Susans. A fond believer and lifelong learner, he held the conviction that education brings knowledge, wisdom, and common sense, a belief he embraced until his transition.
Born in Waterbury on April 20, 1946, to George Raymond Fraser Sr. and Helen Irene (Vitko) Fraser, both of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Brian attended Crosby High School, graduating in 1964. He then pursued a double degree in Economics at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1968. In true Brian fashion, he followed his passion for teaching and began working as an educator for the City of Waterbury Department of Education. He taught at Sprague School for the first five years of his career before finding his lasting home as an 8th-grade history teacher at North End Middle School, where he spent 30 years imparting light and knowledge to youth.
Brian accepted the Lord Jesus as his savior and attended Christ the King Church in Naugatuck, Connecticut. He felt a calling to be baptized just this past September, which he did alongside his wife, with Pastor Bob Butkus officiating. A devoted reader of the Bible, he expanded his understanding by reading many books related to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Throughout his life, Brian made it a mission to actively engage with his community. He was a member and board director of the Meadow Social Club, President of the Waterville Community Club, a representative to the Waterbury Teachers Association, and received multiple recognitions from Who's Who Among American Teachers. He also coached his daughters' softball teams and portrayed Santa Claus during the holidays for many years.
In his spare time, Brian had a plethora of hobbies that brought him immense joy. Camping at Hammonasset Beach State Park was a significant source of happiness. From the time his daughters were young through his grandchildren's childhoods, Brian spent three weeks every summer camping there. His family fondly remembers him walking the beach for hours with his trusted metal detector and preparing boxes of Hamburger Helper for dinner, ensuring there would be leftovers for his grandchildren to enjoy for breakfast. Music, particularly Doo-Wop from the 50s and 60s, was integral to his life. Other hobbies included reading, gardening, collecting records, and his love for dogs, especially those he had throughout his life: Ginger, Tippy, Candy, Joshua, Taffy, Toby, Molly, Meadow, and Oliver.
Brian leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara Ann, and five beautiful daughters: Rebecca and her husband Robert King of Aurora, CO; Heidi and her husband Jeremy Beatty of East Hampton, CT; Heather and her husband Damian Butters of Scotch Plains, NJ; Jennifer Fraser of Naugatuck, CT; and Jessica Fraser of Vallejo, CA. He also cherished his six grandchildren, who were the lights of his life: Gerald Maccione IV and his wife Olivia, Emily (Gweechen) Maccione, Bobby King Jr. and his wife Naomi, Shealyn (Monet) Fraser, Jacob Beatty, and Ella Butters; as well as two great-granddaughters, Elsie and Nora Maccione, who affectionately called him "grandfodder." He also leaves behind his best friend since age 10, Pat Garafola, aka "Squaly." Brian is now reunited with those who preceded him: his parents and older brother George.
Brian will always be remembered for his infectious smile, warm and welcoming eyes, and unwavering kindness to anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He was never shy about saying hello, stopping to chat, or offering advice. To his family, he will always be revered as a light in the darkness, a true angel on Earth, and they will forever honor his wish to "watch out for the other guy."
Arrangements: A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In Brian's memory, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one's choice.