Bruce E. Berlet

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Edward Berlet, on September 17, 2025 at the age of 77. Bruce, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was born on January 20, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Edward and Ruth Berlet. He lived in Baltimore before moving to Litchfield, CT with his family, where he later graduated from Litchfield High School. He was a member of the school's Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in soccer and basketball. Bruce graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1970 and began his distinguished career at the Hartford Courant that same day. For nearly 40 years, Bruce was a respected sportswriter, covering a variety of sports including golf, UConn Women's Basketball, hockey, and more. He was the golf writer for The Hartford Courant from 1977 until his retirement in 2008. Bruce covered major events such as 30 Masters, 15 U.S. Opens, and 3 Ryder Cups. He received multiple awards from the Golf Writers Association of America and was a competitor in several World Writers Cup matches. Bruce was also honored with induction into the Connecticut State Golf Association Hall of Fame and was a longtime member of Tallwood Country Club in Hebron. Bruce cherished his role as a father to his only daughter, Brooke, and as a grandfather to his beloved grandson, Ryan, with whom he shared a love of sports. His impact extended beyond sports writing-he was known for his integrity, compassion, and the lasting relationships he built with athletes, professionals and friends. Bruce is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy, daughter Brooke, grandson Ryan, brother Douglas, and sister Deborah. He was predeceased by his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to The First Tee of Connecticut by mail to 55 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 or at https://donatenow.org/firstteect, the Connecticut State Golf Association by mail to 35 Cold Spring Road, Suite 212, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067, or Turning Point USA by mail to 4940 East Beverly Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044 or at donate/tpusa.com. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 4:00 pm 7:00pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in St. Paul Church of Ss. Isidore and Maria Parish, 2577 Main St., Glastonbury, followed by a private burial.