Edmund J. Brabants

Mr. Edmund J. "Buddy" Brabants, age 68 years, died in his Norfolk home on Wednesday, May 21st 2008. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 27, 1939 to Mary E. (Quirk) Brabants and the late John W. Brabants. Mr. Brabants graduated from South Boston High School in 1957.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marie (Capelotti), and the Brabants' resided in Norfolk for the past 6 months and previously in Wrentham for 11 years, Dover for 22 years and Braintree for 9 years. "Buddy" and Marie recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Brabants was well known in the automotive industry having worked for Monroe Shocks and Struts and as Manager of New England Operations for Sterling Parts Corporation and Steego Parts Corporation, prior to fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning his own business. As the owner and President of EM & M Enterprises, Mr. Brabants owned and operated several Steego Auto Parts stores in Southeastern Massachusetts before selling them in 1998. After a brief retirement, "Bud" realized the idle life was not for him, so he went on to become the Director of Human Resources for Professional Electrical Contractors of Connecticut. "Bud" was proud of his work at PEC and enjoyed his coworkers, having been employed there for the last several years.

Mr. Brabants was the current President of Walpole Country Club, having served a previous term as President in the 1990s. An avid golfer, he was a proud and active member of Walpole Country Club for thirty-five years. He was a former President of AWANE (Automotive Wholesalers of New England) and was once named Automotive Wholesaler of the Year. He formerly served as Chairman of the New England Automotive Show. His greatest joy was his family and friends and he treasured the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Beloved husband of Marie T. (Capelotti) Brabants. Loving father of Michael R. and his wife Judith Brabants of Norfolk, Lisa M. and her husband Michael Sullivan of Bridgewater, and Matthew J. and his wife Jacqueline Brabants of Orangeburg New York, and the late Edmund J. Brabants, Jr. Father-in-law of Hom Brabants of North Attleboro. Devoted son of Mary (Quirk) Brabants of Norfolk and the late John William Brabants. Cherished grandfather of Dillon M. Brabants, Connor M. Sullivan, Kacey M. Brabants, Daniel J. Sullivan and Madeline E. Brabants. Brother of John W. Brabants, Jr. of Athens, NY, Elizabeth P. Kelley of Norfolk, Marie A. Smokovich of Middletown, New Jersey, Robert M. Brabants of Sandwich and Donald P. Brabants of N. Easton. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in Saint Jude's Church, 84 Main Street, Norfolk on Thursday morning, May 29th, 2008 at 12:00 Noon. Visiting hours are omitted at the request of the family. Interment at Norfolk Cemetery, Norfolk, Massachusetts. Memorial donations may be made to: The Edmund J. Brabants Memorial Fund c/o TD BANKNORTH, 127 South Street, Wrentham, MA 02093. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.