Julien Brookson

Julien was born on September 19, 1938, the eldest child of the late Julien Brookson and Charlotte Ruan Brookson. He spent his childhood on the tiny island of St Maarten but eventually moved to the island of Aruba so his father could work in the oil refinery.

The family later returned to St Maarten and Julien began working for the airlines, specifically Air France and Air Caraibes, which afforded him the opportunity to travel all of the islands of the Caribbean as well as parts of Europe and the US. The travel in combination with his education allowed him to become fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch and he could switch between languages seamlessly.

When he decided to leave the airlines, Julien went to work at Great Bay Resort on St Martin/St Maarten where he would eventually meet his wife, the late Kathleen “Kathy” Griffin Brookson, who was vacationing on the island. After spending her entire trip with Julien, Julien chose to leave St Maarten and followed Kathy to Connecticut where they married and settled in Old Saybrook and welcomed their daughter Melissa Brookson.

Julien was always a people person and therefore was a natural choice for automotive sales working at Town & Country Auto Sales in Ivoryton followed by Stanley Motors in Old Saybrook. He retired in 2008.

Julien was an avid golfer playing at least once a week during Spring and Summer.

Julien was a devout Catholic and faithfully attended the 4:00 PM Mass on Saturdays at St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook serving as an usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Julien served the community by volunteering for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen, poll working during elections, and for the neighborhood watch in Cornfield Point.

Julien’s greatest joy however was spending time with friends and family. He loved family trips, dinners, parties, having “an inch” with neighbors and most of all his check in phone calls.

In addition to his parents, Julien was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kathleen Brookson, his sister Olga James and his brother Eugene Brookson.

Julien is survived by his daughter Melissa Brookson of Old Saybrook, her dog (his very best friend) Hendrix, his sister Lydia Strybosch of Curacao, Raymond Brookson of St Maarten, Hortencia Augusty of St Maarten, Henri Brookson of St Maarten, Philomena Plaisant of St. Martin, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Julien’s life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church, 161 Main Street in Old Saybrook. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in Julien’s name to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries, P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426

To share a memory of Julien or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.