Milford "Bud" H. Loomis Jr.

Milford H. Loomis Jr., 71, affectionately known as “Bud” or “Buddy” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, after an extended illness. He was married to Patty Rose and shared a once-in-a-lifetime love that was undeniable to even brief passersby. Born in Hartford, CT on December 6, 1954, he was the son of the late Milford H. Loomis Sr. and Gwendolyn (Deabler) Loomis. He attended William Hall High School, Class of 1972, and graduated from the University of Connecticut with bachelor’s degrees in both Biology and English in 1977.

Bud spent his childhood summers at his family cottage in Westbrook, CT, later writing that, “Since childhood, Westbrook was my favorite place to be.” The cottage was moved to Post Avenue in the 1920s—rumor has it by horses—and remained a cherished destination for generations of the Loomis family, but perhaps by no one more than Bud. During his youth, he became an avid sailor and won numerous sailing competitions, with several trophies still on display in the family home.

As a child, Bud expressed a deep love for all creatures, owning an eclectic assortment of pets, including a small alligator he housed in the family bathtub for a short stint. This love persisted into adulthood and numerous animals benefited from his affection and training, but none more than his feline sidekick Magic and dachshund Elphie. Throughout his college summers, he began working at the Mystic Marine Life Aquarium and following graduation, he was hired as an aquarist, eventually rising to become the Curator of Exhibits for the entire aquarium and even featured in the Hartford Courant with one of its most famous inhabitants, Samson the Stellar Sea Lion.

In the 1980s, he completed coursework at the Computer Processing Institute and graduated at the top of his class. After working at The Hartford for several years, he switched to Aetna where he progressed in his career in the computer field into the 90s. Later, he utilized his talents to help senior citizens set up and access technology in their homes.

Bud moved to Westbrook permanently in 2015 after renovating the beloved family cottage. He was an accomplished artist and many of his distinctive watercolor paintings of the local cottages and scenescapes hang in homes throughout the area. In 2023, he illustrated the children’s book I Live In Westbrook: A History of Westbrook from 1635-1840 detailing the origins and development of the town he fiercely loved.

Bud loved to laugh, loved to make others laugh, and was exceptionally good at finding humor in all things, even dark times. Monty Python’s “Bring out your dead” joke was frequently referenced during the years of his illness. For nearly 20 years before he became sick, the local beach “family”participated in an annual Labor Day talent show that featured running gags and one-of-a-kind sketches, often spearheaded by Bud’s creative and playful spirit. During one picnic, as he stood on the street and awaited his entrance for a Harry Potter skit in full Dumbledore attire, the police stopped by. If not for the microphones and lights in the yard behind him, he joked that he might have been the first Dumbledore to spend the night in a squad car.

His humor was only unparalleled by his love for his family and friends, a love he expressed frequently and eloquently in countless cards, texts, phone calls, letters, and conversations. He taught us that vulnerability is a strength, not a deficit, and to take“responsibility for the best version of you that you can be.” We are all better people for growing in his love.

In addition to Patty, Bud is survived by his daughter Katharine Loomis and her fiancé Andrew; his daughter Jessica Loomis and her husband Daniel; his niece Julie Carlson and her husband Mike; and several cousins. In addition to his parents, Bud is predeceased by his sister Robin Loomis; his aunt Shirley Loomis; his uncle Don and aunt Ruth Loomis; his uncle Laurence T. and aunt Virginia Deabler; and, of course, Magic and Elphie. There will be no public calling hours. A memorial and celebration of Bud’s life will be from 11 AM to 12 PM followed by a luncheon on November 14th at the Westbrook Connecticut Elks Lodge on 142 Seaside Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chase Movement Disorder Center at Hartford Hospital. Arrangements are being handled by the Neptune Society.