Ernest A. Brazeau

74, of Narragansett RI, and Boynton Beach FL, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2019.  He was the beloved husband of Nancy (Dube) Brazeau, with whom he recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.  Born in Central Falls, he was the son of the late Raymond and Beatrice (Carignan) Brazeau.

Besides his wife, Ernie was the loving father of Mark G. Brazeau and his wife Flor of North Kingstown, Michelle N. Lewandowski of Wakefield, Michael E. Brazeau and his wife Heather of Warwick, and the late Melissa Ann Peters; cherished grandfather of Elyssa, Victoria, Grant, Brianna, Caleb, Caitlin, Colin, and great-grandfather of Aiden and Milo; brother of Richard, Robert, Dennis and Gary Brazeau.

Football was an important part of Ernie’s life. He played organized football since he was 9 years old.  He played semi-pro football for the Fairhaven Varsity, the Middleboro Cobras, the East Greenwich Townies, the Northern Rhode Island Mules, and the Rhode Island Steelers (the farm team of the Pittsburg Steelers). He was also scouted by the Boston Patriots (now New England Patriots), receiving an invitation to try out as a middle linebacker in 1967.

In 1970, Ernie successfully lobbied to reinstate the Central Falls Football Program after a 20-year hiatus.  Along with Jim Doyle, he cofounded the Central Falls Lions Football Association, consisting of an A team, B team, and C team. While serving as head coach from 1971 to 1987, the Central Falls Lions were well known as a perennial powerhouse, winning their division many seasons.  In 1973, the Lions not only won the American Conference, and not only went undefeated at 8-0-0, but no opposing team scored a single point against them the entire season. Coach Brazeau was very well known and respected by the entire Central Falls community, where he changed the lives of many young men.

He was also involved in Babe Ruth League baseball, Shriners Society, and The Big Brothers Organization. He was a shop steward in the Teamsters Union, Local 251, and a member of Local 618 for RIPTA.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory-SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Rd. (Rt. 1A), Narragansett followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Veronica Chapel, 1035 Boston Neck Rd. (Rt. 1A), Narragansett.  Burial will take place at a later date.  VISITING HOURS are Tuesday from 4 - 7 p.m.