William John “Bill” Braunsdorf, 95, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Saint Francis Hospital, Hartford CT.
Bill was born on August 1, 1926, in New York City to Bertha (Beck) Braunsdorf and Herman C. Braunsdorf. Bill had two brothers, Herman (Rex) Braunsdorf and Robert Braunsdorf.
Bill attended Crosby High School in Waterbury, CT, and graduated in 1943. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating with the rank Lieutenant in December 1947. He furthered his education at the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Engineering. Over the years, Bill loved to share his stories from his Naval travels in the Pacific and below deck.
Bill met his wife Elena Carmela “Elaine” DiCostanzo while she was a student at Crosby High School, and they were married on May 12, 1951. The wedding reception was held at The Waverly Inn in Cheshire, CT. Bill enjoyed telling the story about the priest who said their marriage would never last (because he was raised Lutheran, not Catholic but later would convert to Catholicism). Early in their marriage, he converted to Catholicism and they both regularly participated in weekly masses throughout their years living in Waterbury, Cheshire, and Suffield, CT.
After his years in military service, Bill worked as the Owner/COO at the Expressway Auto Clinic in Waterbury, CT, at Dossert Corporation in Waterbury, CT as an Engineer, and at Raveis Real Estate in Cheshire, CT as a Real Estate Agent.
Bill and Elaine were married for nearly 70 years until she passed away in April 2020.
Bill is survived by his three children. Dr. Mark S Braunsdorf, his wife Renee, their sons
Jacob, his wife Nina (DiGregory) and their son Logan; Matthew, his wife
Caitlyn (Tierney) and their daughter Lily Laine. Daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) T. (Braunsdorf) Duke and her husband John C. Duke and their two children John (JJ) Charles Jr., and Tessa Elaine. And daughter Lynn M. (Braunsdorf) Mervosh, her husband Todd Mervosh and their daughter Anna Grace.
Over the years, Bill and Elaine worked well together, each excelling in their designated roles. Elaine cared for all things related to the children and household. Bill was not only the breadwinner but all-around handy-man and consummate putterer. He never met a home project or problem that he didn’t relish! He worked steadily and rarely became flustered. He could lose himself for hours tinkering away at his meticulously organized garage, basement, workbenches and most impressively, the outline of the tools on the wall to indicate where it should be placed after use.
Bill and Elaine hosted many events and holidays, opening their beautiful home to the whole family and dear friends. He and Elaine kept their home and property in magnificent condition. He was known for his famous heartfelt blessings before each meal. Bill was always dressed perfectly. Often with a shirt, tie, and jacket and a shirt that he ironed himself.
Bill’s children, spouses and grandchildren have many cherished memories that they shared for the writing of this tribute. When the first grandchild was born, Bill became Papa and Elaine became Nana. These remembrances include…
Bill worked incredibly long hours, and so annual family vacations were much looked forward to. For many years there were winter ski vacations in Vermont and many fond memories were made summering on Cape Cod. Bill even engineered a special rigging that loaded our Sunfish sailboat from the garage ceiling down onto top of our Buick. It wouldn’t be long ‘til he would be off sailing with Betsy for hours on the Atlantic Ocean in that little boat! And again, friends were always welcome to join Bill and the family in the beach bungalows rented in South Yarmouth, MA. It is a joy to remember how Bill was known in many friend circles extending beyond those of his own children!
Dad/Papa loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren beyond measure. He was so devoted that he never missed a ballgame, soccer match, scouting event, theatre/choral production, or dance recital. Mark remembers his high school days working after school at the Expressway with lunches at the local deli and a very special trip taken to Detroit to see his beloved Tigers and Tiger Stadium. Mark and Renee have happy memories of Papa shoveling in ice cream and cake into the mouths of his grandsons Jake and Matt while they were in their highchairs. He especially gave Matt lots of whipped cream.
An expert at anything involved with behind-the-scenes, Bill always traveled with a toolbox in hand and brought necessary supplies to all family and friend events. He had a hand in helping with a variety of home improvements in all the homes of all his children; he was always there to help with painting and construction.
Jake and Matt were also lucky to have trips with Papa and Nana. To the beach, always complete with dinner at Lenny and Joe’s for lobster rolls or trips to the mall to do our Christmas shopping, followed by dinner at California Pizza Kitchen or Rainforest Café. He is remembered as a disciplined man with a “squeaky clean” image. This quality, of how Papa felt about presenting himself left an impression on all the young people in the family. There are vivid memories of staying at Nana and Papa’s house and coming downstairs early in the morning to see him shaving in the downstairs bathroom with the radio on, being careful to not wake Nana. He was admired by his commitment to staying current through reading the paper every day or up in his office on his computer. Never missing an opportunity to call out those “damn politicians in Washington”, he would comment on the rise in Lockheed Martin’s stock price from the day Jake joined them out of college ($84 in June 2009). Jake remembers all the good times spent with Papa (and Nana): after school, at family parties, and playing football, baseball, and soccer. Papa had a unique and individual relationship with each of his kids and grandchildren – and while that may not be unique to him, it certainly is something that made his relationship with you special.
During elementary school years, one of Matt’s favorite memories were on Monday’s afterschool with Nana and Papa. Jake and Matt rode the school bus to their house and almost instantly the boys would begin wrestling on the floor, a favorite saying of Papa’s “No blood on the floor” comes to mind. Once that was over, Jake and Matt would often be down in the basement working and playing with Papa. At certain times of the year, the boys could be found “assisting” Papa with the never-ending leaves and acorn removal. Papa was never keen on having a messy yard, especially when it came to raking up the acorns. These efforts (and many others) instilled a desire in Matt to keep his yard/home as pristine later in life and an interest/curiosity to putter around his home just like Papa. Observing Papa’s work ethic was just one of many lessons he taught his children/grandchildren over the years.
Tessa recalled from looking back through family photos that Papa had this unique ability to smile with his eyes. He always looked as though he was beaming, appearing truly happy and proud. He’d light up at just the sight of any of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, the neighbor’s cat, whomever. Papa was the person who’d be tending to the grill while entertaining with his stories and anecdotes. He’d be holding snacks and beverages out on the deck, while Nana and Tess would be strolling the halls of Goodspeed Opera House, maintaining a spot for us when we were ready for a break.
JJ recalls the times when he would go up to spend long weekends at Nana and Papa’s. He and Papa would sit in front of the TV and watch baseball games and how Papa would reminisce about listening to games on the radio when he grew up. And when it wasn’t watching a game, Papa would always be the first to volunteer pitching wiffleballs to him in the backyard. Later as JJ got older and began working in the sports broadcasting business, he would always say that he looked forward to the day that he would be able to listen to JJ call Yankee games. Papa had a calming presence, always there to support those around him and a welcoming sense about him, a true family man.
Anna recalls how when the big wooden front door of their Cheshire home would swing open, the door harp would chime, and Papa would be ready with a big hug. She cherished every weekend that she spent at Nana and Papa’s, from sharing an early breakfast of cereal and toast with Papa, accompanied by the radio and the newspaper propped up against the banana bowl. Papa would always make sure to tell his grandchildren how very proud they made him. Anna remembers seeing Nana and Papa smiling in the crowd at jazz concerts, Girl Scout ceremonies, and school events. Always encouraging her to be curious, Papa taught her how to back float in the not-so-salty waters off Hammonasset Beach and how she loved to perch beside him to explore Google Earth or his grand spinning globe. Even in the last few weeks of his life, Papa spoke with excitement about his travels and her own plans to explore other parts of the world. She is beyond grateful for his support, encouragement, and love.
Every summer for more than 20 years (until they were both 80+ years old), Bill and Elaine vacationed in Kennebunkport, Maine and stayed at the Captain Lord Mansion. They were such loyal patrons at the inn that their names are inscribed on a brick in the patio. They loved spending their days relaxing at Goose Rocks Beach where Bill would typically go into the cool ocean water for a swim.
Bill was fond of several phrases/sayings that populated his conversations. Some of his favorite “Bill-isms or Papa-isms” included: “To be honest with you…Uncanny…One step at a time…It’s like everything else...It takes time…Easy does it…First things first…Watch out for the chicken bone” (even if eating ice cream).
He loved his family and was friendly to all those he encountered, yet at the end of the day, it was his tribe that really mattered to him. Dad/Papa’s legacy is his family. We all adored him.