Frank R. Machado – August 18, 1939 – February 12, 2015

Frank R. Machado, 75, of Brookfield died unexpectedly at this home February 12, 2015. A lifelong area resident, Frank was born in Danbury on August 18, 1939 to the late Frank R. and Bertha (Bonner) Machado. After his father died in December 1944 in WWII, he was fortunate that his mother met and married Donald E. Miller of Danbury, raised him as his son and taught him the value of hard work, patience, and all he knew about cars. Even though he never quite got over losing his father at a young age, he appreciated and valued the lessons his stepfather taught him. He attended area schools including Henry Abbot Technical, leaving before graduation to join the U.S. Navy in 1956. After successfully completing boot camp, Seaman Machado was assigned to the USS Northampton stationed in Virginia and worked as boiler man throughout until leaving the Navy in 1960. He was extremely proud to have served his country in this way and was always looking to support serviceman as well as “American Made”. After leaving the Navy, Frank returned to Danbury with a skill set that allowed him to begin working as a union steamfitter / plumber. He did this for many years working his way up to journeyman plumber / steamfitter that worked on building Indian Point in NY, as well as the expansion of Danbury Hospital into the large building most are familiar with today. While always maintaining ties to the union, Frank started his own business in the 1980’s – Bigelow Plumbing and Heating – based out of his New Fairfield home. Frank was a proud member of the New Fairfield Lions Club. His dedicated service of 25 years to the organization was recognized by the Lion’s International’s highest honor the Melvin Jones Award. In addition to playing softball in New Fairfield, he was very involved in coaching girl’s softball, especially the summer travel team that he convinced the NF Lions to sponsor. Many of the players that he coached went on to play at the high school level including the 1st ever state championship for New Fairfield HS – 1980 Class S Softball. Besides his parents and stepfather, Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Judy (Patella) in 1996. He is survived by his current wife, Joan Wright of Brookfield, daughters Cindy (Guy Butler) of Danbury, Tracy Miltner (Ed) of New Milford, Kelley Machado of Stratford, and step-daughters Michele Randone of NC and Susan Randone (Bob Lucas) of Brookfield; his seven grandchildren, Jordan and Malcolm Kinder of Stratford, Ashley, Sara, and David Bingham of NC, Sean Betts of NC, and Jessica Betts of Brookfield; and his best friend, Frank Origi.

View Full Notice → Frank R. Machado – August 18, 1939 – February 12, 2015