Alton "Buddy" Braun's Obituary
Alton “Buddy” Braun, 87, of Stafford Springs, CT, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 25, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born in Stafford Springs, CT, son of the late Alton W. and Lillian (Booth) Braun. Much of his childhood was spent at Stafford Conservatories or on horseback with his neighborhood friends playing Cowboy. Buddy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, where he proudly served for three years. Upon his return from the Marines, Bud began his trade in autobody repair, first in the hot rod and custom car craze of the 1950s and eventually moving on to collision repair. In 1968 he opened his own garage, Old Town Truck Co. first in Rockville, CT, then moving to Main Street in Stafford Springs, CT which he ran until his retirement in 1995. Buddy also taught autobody repair at Windham Technical High School in Willimantic, CT for four years and was a Claims Adjuster for Allstate over the course of his career. In his retirement he enjoyed “puttering around” with his tractors on the farm, caring for his Hackney ponies, and helping out his friends at various horse shows in the region. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Donna (Hathaway) Braun; daughter, Lori McDougall and her husband Roy of Old Saybrook, CT; grandsons, Joseph Dalla Corte and his wife Amy of Enfield, CT and James McDougall and his partner Elizabeth Nordstrom of Waitsfield, VT; great grandchildren, Jack and Norah; sister, Virginia Strubell; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Myers, of Harrisburg, PA. Funeral services with burial in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, will be held privately. The family would like to thank family, friends, and neighbors who have been supportive during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, 300 East Haddam Rd., Salem, CT 06420. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
What’s your fondest memory of Alton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alton?
Share a story where Alton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alton you’ll never forget.
How did Alton make you smile?
