Brad James Troxell

    Brad James Troxell of Suffield passed away Dec. 25, 2020.  He was born December 15, 1959 in Birmingham, Alabama. The second of three children born to Shirley and Dean Troxell.  Brad came into life kicking and screaming and left the same way – suddenly, without warning, and leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  All who knew him, did love him.
    Brad (BJ to his mother and sister, to his great amusement) grew up in Alabama, Illinois, New Jersey, Cape Cod and Connecticut.  He was a star athlete in high school, known as much for cracking his friends up, skipping classes, and hanging out with Principal Mr. Muff (Marvin Maskovsky), as he was for his academics or athletics.  After high school, Brad attended Furman University on a golf scholarship which allowed for much time to play golf, party heartily, and work at a fancy French restaurant learning the culinary arts.  Thus, began his love of preparing food.
    Brad returned to Connecticut and worked as a sous and head chef at Brown Thomson & Company where he met Tricia Shanley, a waitress and student.  Brad and Tricia married on July 20th, 1990 in Cheshire, Connecticut.  They were blessed with a daughter, Taylor, and a son, Colin.  Watching his children grow into mature, wonderful, loving adults brought a great sense of meaning to Brad’s life.
    Brad joined forces with friends to own and prepare amazing food at Jetstream’s Cafe in Avon, Connecticut for many years.   More recently, he served as the Territory Sales Manager for Kaufman Sales, handling sales to restaurants from all over New England.   
Brad was known as “Uncle Handsome,” to his scads of nieces and nephews.  Brad held many other titles in his lifetime, such as devoted son, proud father, loving friend, chef extraordinaire, patient teacher, boisterous storyteller (B.S.er? maybe), avid golfer, dedicated employee, the king of tie-dye, and all-around good guy.
    Brad and Tricia divorced amicably and remained close over the years, sharing the love of their children.  Brad then found love again with his partner, Sharon Williams.  They shared many happy years traveling, cooking, taking long walks, seeing shows, listening to music, and sharing each other’s families.  
    So, Brad came, he conquered, and he left.  He would tell you to do your best, care for those less fortunate than you, be amazing, and never stop smiling.  Look for him in your paella (or any other fabulous meal), in Connecticut sunsets, on the golf course, or listening to Pink Floyd.  You know he’ll be there.  For some, that will be a comfort, for others an annoyance.  If you knew and loved Brad, you know he would appreciate both sentiments.  Also, he would want you to know that if he owes you a beer, look him up in heaven.  He will gladly allow you to buy him another.  Coors Light.
    Brad is survived by his partner, Sharon Williams, his children, Taylor Troxell and Colin Troxell and Colin’s fiancé Molly Fillion, his Father, Dean Troxell and wife, Marie Troxell, his former-wife, Trish Troxell, his sister and brother-in-law, Robin and Mike Hall, his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Mary Anne Troxell, and his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Conor McDavitt.  In closing, don’t cry because Brad died.  Be thankful he was here.  He enriched all of us and will live forever in our hearts.
    A private service and burial will be held in Torrington, CT on January 7, 2021. Those wishing to honor Brad can participate in a drive-up receiving line at the Yarde Tavern in Enfield, CT from 3-4pm on January 7th. We ask that all attendees stay in their vehicle and wear masks. A celebration of Brad’s life will be planned in safer times.
    Memorial contributions may be made to Enfield Loaves & Fishes (online or Enfield Loaves & Fishes, Inc, P.O. Box 544, Enfield, CT 06083-0544), Hartford TheaterWorks (online or TheaterWorks Inc., 233 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103), the Restaurant Education Foundation (online at chooserestaurants.org/donate), or the Chrysalis Center (online or Chrysalis Center, Attn: Adria Giordano, Director of Development, 252 Homestead Ave, Hartford, CT 06132), all organizations close to Brad’s heart.

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