Obituary: Brian Robert Macauley, 76, Of Clinton

CLINTON, CT — (From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home): Brian Robert Macauley of Clinton, CT and Leicester, VT, passed away on January 24, 2024 with his family by his side. He was born on June 7, 1947, in Boston, MA. He was predeceased by his mother Irene McGowan Macauley and father Arthur Peter Macauley and his step mother Lenore Petersen Macauley.

Brian is survived by his loving wife and best friend Dr. Barbara Deegan Macauley, daughters Kelly Macauley (Scarborough, ME), Shannon Macauley Rambach (Rob, Lexington, KY), brother Arthur P. Macauley (Helen, Westerly, RI) and sister Patricia Macauley Bode (Hans, Newport Beach, CA).

Growing up in the Spring Glen section of Hamden, Brian was a proud member of the first graduating class of St. Rita School. He was an avid basketball and baseball player. His enthusiasm for sports continued throughout his life and was a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New York Giants, and UCONN Women's Basketball teams.

Brian graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT, in 1965, and went on to earn a BS degree from Fairfield University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Florida State University.

In August 1971, he united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara J Deegan, in Woodbridge, CT.

During the 1970s, Brian dedicated himself to improving the lives of emotionally disturbed adolescents at the Children's Center in Hamden. His roles included Child Care Worker, Cottage Coordinator, Director of Intake, and Social Worker.

In the 1980s, he and Barbara successfully owned and operated a Montgomery Ward catalog and appliance store in Clinton, CT. After the closure of Montgomery Ward's catalog business, Brian served the community for an additional 23 years as a Claims Representative with the Social Security Administration. His dedication and outstanding service were recognized as he helped countless individuals establish their entitlement to Retirement, Disability, Survivor, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income programs.

Brian's true love in life was his dedication to and enjoyment of his family. He took immense pride in his daughters; Dr. Kelly K Macauley of Scarborough, ME; and Dr. Shannon L Macauley-Rambach of Lexington, KY. He was always found on the sidelines of their sporting events. He found happiness when surrounded by his family, including son-in-law Robert N. Rambach, granddaughters Maggie L Rambach and Eleanor R Rambach, and his extended family of eleven nieces and nephews. He cherished moments in the outdoors, tending to his gardens, and basking in the sun.

Brian loved the water- whether sailing on Long Island Sound or sharing his summer residence with his friends and family on Lake Dunmore in Leicester, VT. He had a special place in his heart for his pets, Teddy the cat and Murphy the dog.

Brian's diverse interests included a passion for music, avid reading, and a keen intellect. His wonderful sense of humor, coupled with his compassionate and caring nature, endeared him to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Brian's training as a social worker underpinned his various careers, reflecting a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. He was a man of action for the less fortunate, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched.

In honoring Brian's memory, let us celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and a profound dedication to family and community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Brian can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Dogs in Residence Program or American Heart Association.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Sisk Brothers Funeral Home here.