Tom Brocuglio Dies; Longtime Firefighter And Businessman In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — Longtime residents and first responders are mourning the unexpected passing of Tom Brocuglio, a Thompsonville firefighter for more than three decades, who died Saturday. He was 64.

Brocuglio joined the fire department in 1985 and served until his retirement in 2016. During that time, he was elected president of the firefighters' union, the Professional Firefighters of Enfield Local 3059, and worked in that capacity for a dozen years.

"Tom and I have worked many years together when we worked at T'ville," retired firefighter Vinny Grady wrote. "99.9 percent busting as all firemen do. Did I drive him crazy? Yes. Did he drive me crazy at times? Yes. But Tom had a heart of gold, willing to help anyone who needed help. I will miss you Tom, I will miss our busting. You are my brother no matter what and will not be forgotten."

Former firefighter Bob Gillespie, at whose wedding Brocuglio served as best man, told Patch, "Where do you begin with a man who did so much for others. His family was his everything. I have known Tom more than half my life. As I was looking through pictures last night, I saw my friend with a smile on his face having a great time. For those of you who had the privilege to know him, you knew a great husband, dad, firefighter and friend. I will miss my friend, but you will always be in my memories and heart."

In the midst of his firefighting career, Brocuglio started a small business, Total Protection Security Systems, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in January. The company installs burglar alarms, access control systems, GPS monitoring, pool alarms and other safety services. Brocuglio's son T.J. is currently owner and operator of the business.

"Tom was a great guy who started a successful business where I worked part time for several years," retired police Lt. Pat Droney said. "For those who knew him, he had a great sense of humor and was generous with his time and treasure."

Thompsonville Fire Chief David Deskis said,"I did not have the opportunity to work with Thomas personally because he retired in 2016. I had small talk conversations with him regarding services provided by his company within the Thompsonville Fire District. Former employees and past employees mentioned Thomas was a great guy and a good friend. The many members and past members have shown this with the outreach to the family and coming down to the station to mention the great memories they had with Thomas. Thomas came to my office about a month and a half ago for a project, and we sat and talked about common interests, and that was when I began to know how good of a person he was. We talked about family and grandchildren and that is how I will always remember Thomas, the man who loved and was proud of his family."

In addition to his professional capacities, Brocuglio also was active in the community at large. He was a manager at the Enfield Elks Lodge, and volunteered for many years at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Italian Festival, heading up the security team. According to his obituary on the Browne Memorial Chapels website, "He was a beacon of the community and spent his last minutes volunteering his time at the Italian festival at Mount Carmel."

Society president Carl Sferrazza told Patch, "Tom was an integral part of our Italian Festival each year. He enjoyed being at Mount Carmel, and we all extend our prayers to his wife and family."

Brocuglio leaves his wife Nancy and his daughter Taylor in addition to his son, as well as three grandchildren.

Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m., with burial to follow in St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery.