Thomas William Brochard

Thomas William Brochard
Thomas William Brochard, 84 of Milford, beloved husband of Patricia Zapata, passed away on December 29, 2024. A son of Thomas and Evelyn (Austin) Brochard, he was born June 9, 1940, in Stamford, CT.
Raised in Vermont, Tom later returned to Connecticut. A skilled butcher, Tom began his training at Berlin Brothers before a successful 30-year career at Grand Union. Later, Tom attended Housatonic College, earning an associate's degree, simply to prove he could.
Following his retirement, Tom focused on his lifelong passion for chess, founding the Connecticut Chess School and dedicating himself to teaching countless students, organizing tournaments, and sharing his love of the game. Tom also volunteered at Garner Correctional Facility, where he spent hours playing chess with inmates.
Known for his sharp wit and boundless sense of humor, Tom referred to himself as "The Tomster," keeping those around him laughing until his very last day. His love for country music, the UConn Huskies and NY Yankees brought him great joy. A skilled bowler, Tom achieved an 800 series, for which he was honored with a special commemorative ring.
Tom's charm and sociability were contagious. He and Pat traveled extensively, exploring the United States and the world, their adventures culminating in a memorable cruise down the Danube River.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children Corinne, Tommy, and Laura Brochard, stepchildren Katie (Abraham) and Michael Zapata (Katie), grandchildren Garrett and Dylan Brochard, Oscar, Georgie and Lucas Romero, Hannah Sullivan, Hailey and Giuliana Zapata, as well as his first wife Cora, and many other family and friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents and his sister Mildred.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, January 3, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by a luncheon at Bin 100 Restaurant. Interment services will be at a later date.
Donations may be made to Sunset Shores Adult Day Care Center by mail to 720 Barnum Ave. Cutoff, Stratford, CT 06614. Checks may be made out to: Sunset Shores.
To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com