William “Billy” David Brandon of Ledyard, CT died on November 24, 2025, after a long
battle with substance use disorder. He was 60 years old.
He was born in his mother’s hometown of New Milford, CT to parents George Aaron
Brandon and Kathleen Louise Antoni on November 3, 1965, while his father was
deployed at sea as a naval submarine machinist mate first class. During his early
childhood, Billy moved cross country and up and down the east coast with his older
siblings Sara Lois and Stephen Joseph as “Navy brats” as the family followed their
father’s 25-year career.
Eventually settling in Ledyard, CT with his immediate family and great grandparents,
Billy graduated from Ledyard High School Class of 1983 having participated in the
Vocational Agricultural Program and raising sheep and pigs at school and at home.
Throughout his childhood he was an avid motorcyclist and played youth football and
baseball and wrestled in elementary, middle and high school. Post high school, Billy
attended Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School’s post-graduate welding
program.
Billy was a nomad during his early adult years living in Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas,
Florida, and Maine eventually returning to Ledyard, CT. Professionally, Billy developed
skills in machine and auto mechanics, welding, construction and masonry. A “jack of all
trades” there was little Billy could not fix or build with his hands. One of his first jobs was
as a welder on submarines. Over the decades he worked at most auto mechanic shops
in New London county and with several small construction and landscaping companies.
He even had a job as a short order cook. Later in life, Billy mastered building cairns,
which his sister referred to as “Billy’s prayers”.
Those who were blessed to know Billy have many stories to share that reflect both his
talents and generosity as well as his struggles to live with his chronic battle with
substance use disorder, which was complicated by a brain injury and trauma. While life
was hard for Billy, there was always a spark of joy in his smile, he was always ready to
help a friend, and he lived each day fiercely. Billy was a magnet for children and dogs
as they were able to quickly decern the kind heart behind the resilient armor.
Billy is survived by his mother Kathleen, his sister Sara, his brother Stephen; beloved
nephews and niece Aaron Tucker Brandon, John Carter Brandon, and Sara Harper
Brandon; and many paternal and maternal aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is
predeceased by his father, and grandparents George Brandon, Isabelle and Lawrence
Mayberry, and Louis and Sara Antoni. Memorial services will be private at Ledyard
Center Cemetery where Billy’s ashes will be buried with his father and alongside his
paternal great grandparents Julius and Mary Brandon.