Raymond “Ray” J Brodeur, Jr. of Orange, beloved husband and best friend of Angela (Banner) Brodeur, passed away on February 22, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by sons Raymond J. Brodeur III and Matthew A. Brodeur; daughters, Danielle (Jordan) Sullivan and Kristine (Kevin) Harty; two grandchildren, Chase and Gracyn Sullivan; and sister, Mary Lou (Michael) Sartori. He was predeceased by his parents Raymond J. Brodeur Sr. and Hazel (O’Neil) Brodeur; daughter Michelle Brodeur; son Mark Vincent Brodeur; and brother James Brodeur.
Ray was born in Waterbury, CT, and graduated from Croft High School. He then attended the University of Connecticut and Post University where he received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. He then received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Haven Criminal Justice Division.
He was later appointed as a recruit for the Connecticut State Police Training Academy and became a Connecticut State Trooper assigned to Troop “L” in Litchfield. He spent seven years at Troop “L” in both the patrol and detective divisions. He received two meritorious citations and was a field training officer. In 1972, he transferred to the Criminal Intelligence Division in Hartford and was involved in several major investigations.
In February of 1975, he was appointed County Detective at the State’s Attorney’s Office in New Haven under the direction of State’s Attorney Arnold Markle. His title later changed to Inspector. He was honored to work alongside numerous assistant State’s Attorneys, but especially worked with Arnold Markle on every major trial he tried until his untimely death in 1987. He was then promoted to supervisor in New Haven until he retired in 1997. That same year, he was hired to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at Progressive Insurance Company. He was then promoted to manager of SIU for all of New England until his retirement in 2008.
He enjoyed coaching little league basketball, softball, and baseball for his sons and daughter. He loved to play golf, fish, hunt, collect baseball cards, and take occasional trips to the casino with his wife, Angela.
Ray’s world revolved around his grandchildren. From the very first day he became a Pop Pop, he spent every possible moment with them, loving them beyond words and description- always sharing unlimited hugs and kisses, playing games, and doing art with them for hours each day. He loved every second of the time spent together. Their hugs, kisses, and total devotion to him gave him pure happiness and his wish each day was that he would spend more time with them. Being a Pop Pop and father was his greatest joy.
Friends and family are invited to gather from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 29 at 11 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Saint Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Ave., West Haven. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Connecticut State Police Department.