- Date Of Birth: October 21, 1984
- Date Of Death: December 20, 2016
- State: Connecticut
Bryan L. Gilblair, 32, of Windham, CT., beloved son and brother, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 20th 2016. Bryan leaves behind his parents, Barbara and Darryl Gilblair Jr., of Windham, his brother Shawn and his wife Gillian, and their daughter Kalia of Willimantic. Bryan is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; he shared a special relationship with each and every one of them.
Bryan is predeceased by his Grandparents, Peggy and Darryl Gilblair, Sr. of Windham, and Connie and Jerald Doherty of So. Windham, and his Aunt, Victoria Gilblair.
Bryan grew up in Windham surrounded by family and friends. Our neighborhood was a special one, to say the least, and our children very fortunate! Our family was not only within our walls and household, it consisted of our entire community, our neighbors became our friends and our extended family.
Bryan loved the outdoors and most sports, he enjoyed bowling with family, fishing with friends, and the annual camping trips to Hopeville Pond with the family each 4th of July. His favorite past time no doubt was playing baseball. One of our favorite memories of Bryan is of him, and his brother Shawn playing ball in the back yard with friends. It began at a young age, Bryan, Shawn, Jason, Scott and the neighborhood gang would arrive early to get the day’s tournament underway. Morning, noon and night… day after day, the boys were playing baseball in the back yard with plastic bats and tennis balls. We do have to mention that not everyone was as excited about the boy’s love of baseball and the daily games that lasted for hours. One neighbor in particular “witch lady” as she was named, was not so fond of the boys hitting homerun balls in her yard, she would come out daily just a “yelling” and chase those boys out of her yard, LOL. So, the boys came up with a plan, they trained our dog, Dusty, to fetch. If someone hit a homerun, they would say, “Dusty, go get the ball”, and she would retrieve the balls for the boys. They played so often, and rounded those bases so many times, that they actually created a makeshift baseball diamond in our backyard; the grass is probably still not completely grown in.
Bryan continued playing baseball throughout the years, joining Little League & Pony League for the Windham Youth Organization (WYO). He later played for American Legion, Windham High School, ECSU’s Warriors, and Willi Mac Softball.
Bryan graduated from ECSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. While in school he worked part time at Stop n Shop. After graduation he decided to make a career change; he completed an apprentice program and became a licensed Sprinkler Fitter Journeyman, working for HHS Mechanical in Manchester, CT.
Bryan will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor, his amazing smile and contagious laugh! His favorite comedy, Seinfeld, he loved Kramer, and could mimic him quite well. He was a strong willed young man who stood up for his beliefs, he could not be swayed. His love for his family & friends was strong and unconditional.
We would like to say a special Thank You to HHS Mechanical, for their love, support, and assistance during this difficult time, and to our family and friends, who have stepped up to the plate with their love and support. We love you all, and we thank you!!
