Obituary of Richard J. Disbrow

Richard "Dick" J. Disbrow July 14, 1933 - December 10, 2004 Richard "Dick" J. Disbrow, Sr., 71, of Thaddeus Avenue, Danbury, formerly of Brookfield, and Rye, NY., devoted husband of Elizabeth (Dockery) Disbrow, died at Danbury Hospital on Friday, December 10th. He was born in Salem, MA. on July 14, 1933, son of the late William and Jean (Field) Disbrow. He was a graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. He received his Bachelors Degree from Memphis State University. He began his career with Consolidated Edison of NY in 1959 as a management trainee and retired as Facilities Manager after 34 years of service. An avid and gifted football player, Dick made the All County Honors Team in high school, and played for both University of Tennessee and Memphis State. Additionally, during his service in the United States Army he was Captain of the All European Team. Dick enjoyed being a member of the Auxiliary Police and was an Officer of the ArmaVilla Association in Bronxville, NY. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, Candlewood Council in Brookfield. He was a parishioner of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church where he served on the Parish Council and acted as an usher. He was also instrumental in enacting legislation eliminating outdoor firing ranges in residential Brookfield. He was a 25 year friend of Bill W's. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather. He was often known to champion the "underdog" and was a man whose passion was to advocate for the many causes he believed in. Most notably, educating the youth about the dangers and health risks of smoking in conjunction with the Better Breathers Program at Danbury Hospital. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, he is survived by three daughters, Sharon Chapderlane and her husband, Bob of Rye, NY., Mary Elizabeth Lancaster and her husband, David of Dover, NH., Catherine Courson and her husband Tommie of Jacksonville, Fla.; his two sons, Richard Disbrow and his wife, Nancy of Brookfield, and William Disbrow and his wife, Christine of Wingdale, NY.; and his ten grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, David Disbrow and his wife, Donna of CA.; his cousins, "911 George" Fitzsimmons of Brookfield, and Ralph Burkhart of Harrison, NY and David Burkhart of Upstate, NY.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his son-in-law, Lt. Stephen Brown, USN. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 13th, 10:30am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, Brookfield. Burial will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. The family will receive friends on Sunday between the hours of 12:00 to 3:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm. at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury. The Knights of Columbus will stand guard between 5 and 8:00pm with a Closing Prayer Service at 8:00. Donations Information Memorial Contributions in his memory may be made to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, CT. Chapter, 132 Colonial Blvd. West Haven, CT. 06516, or to the Joseph House, PO Box 1755, Salisbury, Md. 21802, or to the Danbury Hospital Development Fund Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury, CT. 06810.