Obituary: William T. Browne, 80, of Palm Coast, Florida

William T. Browne, age 80, died on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, under hospice care in Palm Coast, Florida.

His daughter and caregiver, Ellen Gabbert, was at his side. Born on May 10, 1931 in Bridgeport, to the late William Joseph McCarron Browne and Vivian Bernadette MacDonald Browne, Browne was a graduate of Warren Harding High School, Class of 1949, Fairfield University, Class of 1954, and University of Connecticut School of Law, Class of 1958.

A member of the Connecticut Bar Association for 50 years, Browne was a founding partner of the Law Office of Browne and Browne in Bridgeport.

A champion of the less advantaged, Browne always assisted someone in need. He was an avid reader, musical theater lover, traveler and life-long Yankees' fan.

A devout Catholic, Browne's Irish tenor voice was heard for many years at Our Lady of Grace Church in Stratford and surely echoes there today.

Browne was predeceased by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Joan Ockovitz Browne. He is survived by his brother, Attorney Donald A. Browne and sister-in-law, Lillian Browne, as well as two other sister-in-laws, Dorothy Nowosacki and Marilyn Gibbons.

He is survived by their six children: William T. Browne, Jr. and wife, Kathy of Rio Grande, N.J.; Pamela Urban and husband, Joseph of Severna Park, Md.; Bonny Bixby and husband, Jay of Muscat, Oman; Ellen Gabbert and husband, Douglas of Palm Coast, Fla.; Timothy Browne and wife, Jill of Middlebury; and Patrick Browne and wife, Diane of Naugatuck.

Browne is survived by 15 grandchildren: Benjamin and Kaitlin Evarts, Joanna and Kelsey Urban, Daniel Bixby and wife Jenny, Brian Bixby and wife Jana and William Bixby, Emily and Audrey Gabbert, Samuel Burton, Griffin and Celia Browne, Patrick, Matthew, and Grace Browne, and one great-grandchild, Brooke Bixby, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was devoted to his family, his church and his community. His heart and home were always open to everyone. His generosity, warmth, wit, and humor were hallmarks of his outstanding character, which endeared him to so many.

Calling Hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green, Stratford.

Mass of Christian burial: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford.

Burial: , 1056 Daniels Farm Rd., Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler County, 7 Florida Park Drive, Suite E, Palm Coast, Florida 32135 or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. FI 17 Chicago, IL 60601.