Brad William Colschen, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the age of 65.
Brad was born on February 19, 1959, in Clinton, Iowa to David and Nora Colschen. He graduated from Clinton High School and went on to further his education at Iowa State University receiving a BS in Architecture and a MS in Structural Engineering. While a student at Iowa State, he met the love of his life, Judy. They were married on May 30, 1981.
After finishing his college career, Brad accepted a position at Electric Boat, moved to Connecticut, and bought a home in Gales Ferry where he and Judy spent 43 years together raising their family and creating memories together. Brad was a hard worker and went from Structural Engineer, to Supervisor, to Manager of Hulls and Structures. He had just celebrated the honor of working at EB for 40 years and was planning to retire next year.
Anyone who met Brad knew that he was kind, caring and a good man with a good heart. Family was everything to him. He spent every available moment with family, helping complete projects around the house, babysitting his grandkids, playing chauffeur to one of their many doctors appointments, taking fun trips with them and so much more. When his kids were growing up Brad dedicated much of his time to volunteering and coaching the different activities that they were passionate about, never missing an event. He served as a scout leader, coached both his daughter’s softball team and his son’s baseball team and supported their school band activities. He spent many hours in the backyard helping his daughter learn to pitch, teaching both kids to drive, and passing on his love of making things. He always supported their dreams and encouraged them to pursue their passions, a lesson that they have carried with them their whole lives.
Giving back to the community was also important to Brad. He was a lifelong member of Ledyard Ambulance and spent most Friday nights dedicating his time to driving the ambulance. In his spare time Brad enjoyed woodworking, a hobby and skill he learned from his father. He created many pieces of furniture as well as toys for his kids and grandchildren. It gave him great pleasure to watch his grandchildren play with the toys he had made for them, and they are precious mementos that they will cherish forever.
Brad is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judy; his son Christopher of Hamden, his daughter Elizabeth (Bryan) of Oakdale; his three grandchildren, Hayden, Miles and Nora; as well as his older brother Gregg (Sandra) of Montgomery, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents and his oldest brother, Scott.
Friends and family are invited to attend visitation hours from 5:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, December 4th at Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. We will celebrate Brad’s life at 11:00am on Thursday, December 5th at Dinoto Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.