Obituary: Patrick Peter Bria, 75, Of Bethel

Information and Photo Courtesy Bouton Funeral Home

BETHEL, CT — Patrick Peter Bria, 75, a resident of Bethel, passed away the morning of June 15th, 2022. He was born in Stamford and raised in Cos Cob. He was the son of the late Lena and Sylvid Bria.

Patrick (otherwise known as Max) is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Bria, his son, Keenan Bria, his daughter-in-law, Shannon Bria, the family dog that always wanted to be on his lap, Boomer Pickles Bria. Lastly, he is survived by the family and friends that he loved so much. It would take up the whole obituary if all names were mentioned, but you know who you are.

Patrick received his high school degree from Wright Tech High School, an associate's from Norwalk Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Pace University. He was a certified public accountant and worked day in and day out to support his family.

Patrick had a generous soul. Outside of work, he was a large part of the community, frequently completing taxes for people that could not afford an accountant. He volunteered his time on the Board of Area on Aging as well as the Board for Bethel Visiting Nurses. He spent time coaching the Fairfield County Special Olympics soccer team. He contributed to the process of creating the Shelter of the Cross for the homeless of CT to have a place to live while starting the job hunt. He would often take care of a meal if he was dining in the same facility of a military person in uniform.

The military meant a lot to him. He served as a sergeant overseas during the Vietnam War under the US Army. Once he had served his time and was discharged, he found himself back in CT where he would listen to doo-wop music and often sing along. He would go to dances and tear up the dance floor. There are even rumors that he played the bongos! He has always been the life of the party. He could talk to anyone.

Patrick made friends everywhere he went. People loved him from the minute they met him, especially his gym buddies. Him and his gym buddies would lift weights daily with Keenan always underfoot. He would coach Keenan’s soccer games and tournaments. He made sure all kids got a chance to participate. He was called Coach and continued to be called Coach throughout his whole life. As he got older, his favorite pastime became making beautiful and detailed creations of carved wood. He joined the Mystic Carver’s Club and the Hat City Carver’s Club. He would travel to different wood carving shows with his buddies. He was featured in a wood carving magazine. He had a talent for wood carving which was unmatched. If he was not carving wood, then he would be trying to best someone on how much “heat” they could take with a hot pepper or hot sauce.

He was a simple man, but not in a bad way. All he needed from life was to be surrounded by his friends and family (and all of the yummy food). He was there for everyone that needed it and didn’t ask for anything in return. He had a smile and a laugh that will never been forgotten. He was an amazing storyteller, joke teller and a great listener. And he had so many stories to tell. If you ever got to meet him, you were one of the lucky ones…. We welcome you to come celebrate the life of this amazing man.

A full Catholic Mass will be held on Thursday June 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Redding. Military Honors will follow after Mass at church. In lieu of flowers, a monetary donation can be made to: Danbury Senior Center – 10 Elmwood Place, Danbury, CT 06810.