Peter Brainerd
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Peter Tillou Brainerd on May 8, 2025. Born on September 13, 1932 Peter grew up in Pine Orchard son of the late Harold and Virginia Brainerd, his beloved wife Elaine passed in 2019. He is survived by his brother Wink Brainerd; four children, Alicia Snyder, Lauren Benton, Stuart (Lynn) Brainerd and Patty (Mark) Troidle, six grandchildren Jennifer (James) Goudy, Alexandra (Scudder) Baggett, Melissa Benton, Jamie Troidle, Lucas Brainerd and BoYun Brainerd; and 5 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his older brother Skip Brainerd.
While at college in Boston, he met the love of his life Elaine Brown on a blind date. Peter enlisted in the Air Force in 1954 and married Elaine in 1955 before he shipped out to England. He continued serving in the Air Force Reserves until 1992 retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
After returning home Peter joined the family business working on cars, specializing in British autos. For many years he and his family would take their British cars to Stowe, VT to participate in a British car show. It turned into a yearly event where 5 birthdays were celebrated along with many laughs. Peter received several awards for the various cars he brought.
Peter and Elaine enjoyed traveling and visited many places in Europe as well as Costa Rica. Their favorite place was Grand Cayman Island where they spent 4 weeks every year on Seven Mile Beach.
Peter was active in his community serving as president of the Stony Creek Association for many years as well as a board member of the Branford Sewer Commission.
Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 am at St John Bosco (St Therese) Church, 105 Leetes Island Rd, Branford. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stony Creek Museum, 84 Thimble Islands Rd, PO Box 3047, Stony Creek, Branford, CT 06405; https://www.stonycreekmuseum.org/support or CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405; https://www.hospice.com/donate