Enfield Athletic Hall of Famer Howie Bromage Passes Away

ENFIELD, CT — Howard Bromage, Jr., one of Enfield's finest all-around athletes, a three-time hall of fame inductee and a longtime small business owner, passed away Saturday after a brief illness. He was 78.

A 1957 graduate of Enfield High School, Bromage went on to Brown University, excelling in baseball while earning an Ivy League degree. In the 1960s, he founded the Bromage-Wilcox Insurance Agency in Enfield, which he operated for more than 40 years.

From an early age, sports always played a huge role in Bromage's life. He was a key member of the 1953 Thompsonville Little League alumni team that won a state championship; that club was inducted into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He then excelled in three sports at Enfield High School; the 1956-57 basketball team won the Valley Wheel Conference, and made the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame on the 60th anniversary of that championship in 2017.

When Brown University unveiled its new baseball stadium in 1961, Bromage made history by belting the first home run at the new park. He continued as an active baseball and softball player until he was well into his 70s, and also played in four Senior Olympics national basketball tournaments.

Jerry Wingen, a longtime teammate and friend of more than 50 years, said, "He spent his whole life here and I doubt anyone would have anything bad to say about him. He was an upbeat, positive friend to everyone from the moment you met him."

Bromage spent many years coaching and umpiring Little League baseball, as well as coaching CYO basketball. His overall athletic accomplishments earned him individual election to the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

Fellow Hall of Famer Charlie Ragno wrote, "Howie played every sport with a deep passion that usually became contagious with his teammates. In my opinion, Howie was one of the finest all-around athletes to grace our town. I enjoyed playing with him on the Amvets and talking baseball at length with him over a couple of beers. He was a walking encyclopedia of sports. Howie was a humble guy and as we all know was very generous with his time helping others.The town of Enfield has lost a true legend who gave his heart and soul to his community."

Volunteerism and giving back to his community were always among the top priorities in Bromage's life. Among the organizations he helped were the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels, the Enfield Historical Society and the Friends of the Enfield Library. After being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he was elected to the board of directors and served as a board member for more than a decade.

"Howie was a true Enfield athletic legend and an extremely wonderful man," Hall of Fame chairman Mike Cotnoir said. "Over the years, he was a generous sponsor, coach, motivator and friend to many of Enfield's athletes. He truly inspired our community with his efforts and passion toward sports. He was one of Enfield's finest athletes for many years, and continued to give back until the end. He will be sorely missed."

Bromage is survived by his wife, Lois; three sons and a daughter; and six grandchildren.

Doug Nicholas, a Fermi High School classmate of Bromage's oldest son, David, said, "It's impossible for me to express how important the Bromage family was in helping me make it through adolescence. Dave was my best friend and his family was my rock, practically accepting me as part of their family. From my perspective, Howie was the perfect dad, and the best example of how to be a man."

Former Enfield mayor Scott Kaupin, who also graduated with David Bromage in 1983, said, "I knew Howie Bromage as a great family man, generous sponsor and supporter of athletics in town, and a committed community member who gave countless hours of his time to better the lives of many. I remember many summer nights and weekends playing ball in the Bromage's yard or swimming in their pool, and Howie would always join in on the fun and give us encouragement and a pointer or two. He coached and mentored athletes across town, and sponsored teams that proudly wore shirts with the name "Bromage" across their chests. Howie gave back to his community as both a way to say thank you and as a way to inspire others to do the same. He always had an encouraging word for me, and his honest and wise counsel was truly valued. He loved to laugh and always remained humble about his many accomplishments in life. Thank you Howie Bromage for being a man the generation after you looked up to with admiration."

Calling hours are slated for Wednesday, March 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 15 at St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield.

Photo courtesy of Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels