Robin D “Red” Brittain, 88, of East Bridgewater, MA passed away on May 21, 2016 after a period of failing health. He was born in Revere in 1927 to Walter R and Florence A. (Nuell) Brittain. He grew up in Whitman and attended school there until his teen years when he went to New Bedford Vocational High School. He left school early to join the Marines in 1945 and was stationed in China. He was proud of his service in the Pioneer battalion and enjoyed the annual China Marine reunions.
He was a self-made man and progressed from the lumber business in his youth to the owner/operator of Toll Road Truck Equipment for the majority of his life. His motto was “We build the best, and service the rest”. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters and was proud of his 45 year membership with perfect attendance. He was the Sergeant of Arms for the district and responsible for the Rotary flag displays at many of the annual functions. In his final years, he loved to work on steam engines and enjoyed building them.
He was the loving husband of the late Patricia Ann (MacEachron) Brittain for 55 years. He was the loving father of his two daughters, Kathryn Gianunzio and Margaret (Mir) Ali. He leaves six grandchildren, Steven (Jennifer) Gianunzio, David R Gianunzio, Kristina M Gianunzio, Fatima B (Justin) Rich, Mir Omar Ali, and Robina B (Michael) Amato. He also leaves six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Emily (Jim) Zegeer of Virginia and Dorothy Clark of Hyannis and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Robin D Brittain, Jr and his sister Barbara Costa.
His funeral service will be held Thursday May 26 at 11:00 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow in the Central Cemetery, East Bridgewater. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday May 25 from 4:00-8:00 PM.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Red Brittain Memorial Fund, c/o Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters, PO Box 266, East Bridgewater, MA 02333