John Thomas Brigham, affectionately known as Tom, and a resident of a Journey Found home in Norwich CT, unexpectedly died on June 30, 2022.  Born on September 17, 1959, was the son of Velma Deschino Brigham and Dr. John C. Brigham.

Though born with cognitive disabilities, Tom was able to lead an active, productive life.  He had a lively sense of humor, and his caregivers described him as a lovable jokester. Men and women were routinely addressed as "bad boy" or "bad girl", respectively. And one always needed to be on guard for the playful spanking he delighted in giving. You were also subject to "being fired" at his pleasure. It mattered not whether you were royalty or the man on the street.

He cherished his family visits and looked forward to them with much anticipation. He worked at many jobs over his lifetime, the last being on a farm, where he enjoyed occasional horseback rides. He participated in Special Olympics and was an avid UCONN women's basketball fan.

Tom's pleasures were simple: a good cigar, a slice of pizza, chocolate pudding, his watch and radio with headphones, playing pranks on his family and friends, and being out and about in the community. He made friends easily, was known in virtually every coffee shop in Norwich, and could fairly be described as a coffee aficionado.

Being a man of limited vocabulary and unique pronunciations, each of Tom's words spoke volumes.  Some of his words were incorporated into family lingo. Pasta, for example is known   as "sketty".  As social as he was, Tom also enjoyed the peace and quiet of solitude, and was very observant of his surroundings.  To this was added a keen sense of time and schedule.  A glance at his watch telling him it was noon triggered the word "soup", his favorite lunch item.

Tom was exceptionally photogenic; the camera loved him, and he loved it back. The pictures taken of him as the best man at his brother Phil's wedding depict a debonair man perfectly at ease in formal clothing. It was one of his proudest moments.

Tom gave and received endless amounts of love and was especially fond of infants and children.  He appreciated flowers and the spectacular colors of autumn in New England. He also loved the seashore and boat rides.

Tom looked forward to the festivity of holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, when he would come home for a few days. Tom had great affection for the American flag. Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, when the American flag,  was widely displayed, were among his favorite days.   He proudly wore it on his sweatshirts and T-shirts. Whatever the occasion, Tom was always up for a party.

Tom was remarkable for his resiliency and adaptability. He quickly adjusted to new caregivers and demonstrated exceptional fortitude in his struggles with numerous physical ailments during his later years. His cognitive and physical disabilities demanded that he use a far greater portion of his capabilities than the average person. Simple tasks were mastered only after sustained, strenuous effort. Given his circumstances, he could accurately be described as the best student in his family and an inspiration to others. He taught us more than he would ever realize.

That Tom found happiness and experienced accomplishment amid such daunting circumstances is a testament to his loving mother and brother, his extended family, his numerous friends,  and his dedicated caregivers---teachers, healthcare providers, social workers et  al------throughout his life. He was a distinctive, memorable man who joined the loving kindness of his family and friends with his own perseverance and found joy in living. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

Tom  leaves to cherish his memory: His mother, Velma Deschino Pugliese and her husband Rocco of Woodbury; his brother and sister-in-law, Philip L. and Mary P. Brigham of Litchfield; his nieces, Melissa O'Neill and husband Gregory of Frederick, Maryland;  Allie Lacaria and husband Thomas, Abby Brigham and great nephew Luca, all of Norwalk; several cousins, and his good friends Fred Williams of Norwich, Marnie Cavanaugh of Waterbury, his loving caregiver, Kacy Coleman, and many staff members and acquaintances in the Norwich area.

Funeral arrangements: Calling hours are from 5-7 PM at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral home in Woodbury Tuesday, July 5. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Wednesday, July 6, at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Prince of Peace parish, Main St. South in Woodbury. Attenders are requested to gather at the church.

Contributions may be sent to Journey Found, Inc., 60 Hilliard St. Manchester, CT 06042, or a charity of donor's choice in memory of Tom Brigham.  To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com