Brewster P. Yates

Brewster P. Yates, 93, of Southington CT passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024 at Southington Care Center.

Brewster was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Iva Modeen Yates for 67 years. He adored his two daughters, Gail and Lynn, and was delighted to spend time with them. Brewster also enjoyed his close connection to his sister, Grace Yates Beatty.

Brewster was born in Philadelphia in 1931 to T. Brewster and Grace (Parsons) Yates. Brewster graduated from the Teacher's College of Connecticut in 1956 where he met Iva. In September 1956, Brewster and Iva were married at South Church in New Britain.  They began their married life in Wiesbaden, Germany where Brewster served in the United States Army as a clerk to a general.  Upon their return, they lived in New Britain, CT where they both taught in the New Britain school system.  Brewster then furthered his education, receiving a Master's in Education and then completing his Sixth-Year Diploma in Professional Education.  In 1965, they moved to Kensington, CT where they were active in Kensington Congregational Church.

Brewster had a lifelong love of Vermont which began with family vacations in his childhood.  He then shared his love with his family, camping throughout Vermont.  In 1980, they moved to Chester, VT where Brewster was the Assistant Superintendent for the regional school system.  He retired in 1987.  Brewster and Iva lived in Vermont for 21 years before transitioning to being a resident of Vero Beach Florida. In 2016, Brewster and Iva returned to live in Connecticut to be near family.

In addition to camping, Brewster enjoyed singing and had a wonderful baritone voice. He was involved with singing and performing throughout his life beginning with the Devilaires a cappella group in college.  He was friends with other members of the Devilaires for the remainder of his life.  After college, he performed in repertory theater, barbershop quartets and his church choir.  Bruce continued to enjoy music and singing until his life's end.

Brewster is predeceased by his wife, Iva M. Yates who passed away on March 27, 2023. Brewster is survived by his two daughters , Lynn Swanson and her partner Ron Kapraszewski of Cheshire CT, and Gail Bonicalzi and her partner John Wagner of Seattle WA, his sister, Grace Yates Beatty of Media PA, nephew, Robert Beatty of Swarthmore PA and niece, Laurie Beatty-Walsh and her husband John and son Trevor of West Chester PA.

The family will have a private celebration of Brewster’s life in October. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a choral group of your choice under the Association of Connecticut Choruses at https://www.ctchoruses.org/