Frederick Brabant was born to the late Hector and Stella Brabant, in Fall River, Massachusetts on September 10, 1939. Fred held on for his 62nd wedding anniversary and passed away a day later, on May 29, 2022. He spent a majority of his childhood with his grandparents, Jozef and Agnieszka Piela.
Fred joined the Air Force in 1956 and served 2 tours in Vietnam in 1966 and 1969, and met and married his sweetheart, Helen Carranco, in Miles City, Montana on May 28, 1960. Tech Sergeant Brabant would serve 21 years in the Air Force stationed at 13 different air bases around the country and overseas finally retiring in 1977. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam for the 620th Tactical Control Squadron at the Pleiku Air Base. Fred and Helen then established permanent residency in Miles City.
Upon retiring, Fred worked for United Parcel Service, Randall Lumberyard and Home Health Specialty under Holy Rosary Hospital.
Dad and mom would have their first son, Mike, born in Miles City in 1960 and would follow a year later in 1961 with their only daughter, Debbie also born in Miles City. Their final child, Jeff, was born in 1971 in Havre, Montana. Mike served in the US Army/Reserves for 10 years and remains single. Debbie would marry Mike Hennessy of Billings, Montana and have 3 children making Dad a grandpa: daughter Amanda (Duane) Hennessy-Cox, son Jordan (Mandi) and youngest daughter Kali Hennessy. Jeff would marry Rachael (Gunnare) and have a boy and a girl, Logan, and Brookelynn respectively. Dad has 5 great grandchildren. Extended family includes numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Dad loved 5 things more than anything…his wife, his family, bowling, the Boston Red Sox and Celtics. Grandpa was famous for giving his grandchildren nicknames…Matilda Walkingsquash, Joe from Kokomo and Ernestine or Josephine and Ernie Schlegel. Dad also loved baseball and played fast pitch softball while in the Air Force. He would then take that love and turn it into umpiring where he would call balls and strikes for 20 years. What set Dad apart from everyone was his sense of humor, his knack of historical knowledge and singing Duke of Earl. Dad loved watching Gunsmoke and ‘the story’ with mom. His riding lawnmower was always pristine along with his yard.
Thanks to the staff at St. Vincent Healthcare for all their care and to RiverStone Hospice House for overseeing Dad in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. A Military graveyard service is at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 3rd at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City. Following graveside services there will be coffee and cookies and a time to share memories at the Parlor. Condolences may be shared with the family at stevensonfuneralhomes.com.
Frederick Brabant, age 82, of Miles City
September 10, 1939 – May 29, 2022
Jr and Myrna Perkins says
Our sympathies to the Brabant/Carranco families. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Carolyn Mathison says
Hugs and God” comfort to Brabant family
Beth Hennessy says
Prayers of peace and love for Helen and family’s at the passing of Fred. R.I.P. Fred! Hugs to all!
Ken and Joyce Holmlund says
Our condolences to all of Fred’s family! May God comfort you all in this time of loss!
Chuck and Mary Notbohm says
Helen and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Nay he Rest In Peace.
Chuck and Mary Notbohm says
Helen and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he Rest In Peace.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Helen and family,
So very sorry for your loss and you’re all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hold your memories close and may you feel the comfort of the Lord now and in the days to come.
Garth Sleight says
Not too long ago, we saw Helen and Fred at Gallagher’s. They were very kind in greeting us, and it was such a pleasure to see them. My heart breaks for Helen, Jeff/Rachael, Logan, Brookelynn, and the rest of the Brabant/Carranco families. Tears are the price we pay for love, so let the tears flow freely and let the love of God comfort and strengthen you at this very difficult time.
Jim and Lavina Hall says
Helen & family…we were sorry to hear of Fred’s passing….Jim and Lavina Hall
Raylynn Sleight says
Sending my sincere condolences to Jeff, Rachael and especially Logan and Brookelynn. Losing a grandparent who was a really important part of your life is hard. I’ve been there 3 times. Allow yourself to grieve and focus on the incredibly happy memories you had with your Grandpa. ❤️
Pam Rogge says
Prayers for comfort for the Brabant and Carranco families.
Norma Johnsgard says
Helen and family..I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this time.
Mary Ann Stoltz says
Prayers for your whole family and with the help of Jesus you will get through it!
Ron Slinger says
I am so very sorry to hear this. Many prayers to your family during this extremely difficult time!
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy.
Bernadette Miller says
Hugs and prayers to all of you. I will miss Fred’s visits at my job.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Helen and family, I am so sorry to read bout Fred’s passing. Sending condolences and prayers to all.
Sue and Dennis Bakken says
To Helen and family. So very sorry for your loss.
Arlene Corbin says
Oh Helen I’m so sorry to learn of this. You have my prayers and deepest sympathy
Sue Hennessy says
Helen and Family…condolences for your loss of this fine human being. May your best memories stay with you and bring smiles over time. Love and hugs to all of you in this time of loss.
Machelle Carranco Eller says
Aunt Helen, Mike, Debbie and Jeff… my hearts breaks for your loss…I’m Blessed to have the connection of being Baptized with him. It was always a highlight to see Fred. When I was young and older. He was always joking around with the names he called us… my kids until older thought his name was Ernestine …He will be missed and He was Loved.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry! Fred was always so kind whenever he had to help us with needs for our children. We so appreciated him! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ted Stein says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Brabant family and all of those that had any sort of connection to him. Miles City lost a great man! He’ll be missed!
Lynn Strobel says
Helen and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Lynn and Judy
Joyce Vera says
Helen and family,
We all shared good memories of the Knight St. house!! It was always fun to see you both out and about, Fred always made me smile and giggle with his sense of humor. He was a very good man and we will all miss him. You have all my prayers for strength and courage during this time. You are all in my heart!
Lourdes Reynolds says
Dear Helen -I always enjoyed running into Fred because it seemed he always had something funny / clever to say – but my best story happened around 2001 or so when he was working for Home Health and I was recuperating from a broken ankle – I backed up and drove over my walker and was embarrassed but had to call so I could get a new one – Fred came to the house picked up the crushed walker and gave me a new one – he just acted like it was the most normal thing to do instead of the clumsiest /dumbest – what a cool guy ! Sending you a big hug and lots of Love ❤️ 🙏🏼
Sally Hennessy says
I have many fond memories of Fred, such a genuinely good man.
Fred will be missed by many but will also bring a smile to many faces when some memorial thought of him pops up! RIP Fred. Love and hugs to the Braybant family and all whose lives Fred touched.❤️
Fred and Shari says
Helen and family, so sorry to hear this. Know we are thinking of you.
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
So sorry for your loss, prayers are with you all.
Rick Goldade says
Helen, Mike, Debbie and Jeff, such fond memories of your dad, especially playing board games many many years ago…my prayers are with you!
larry dann says
Helen and family our deepest sympathy is with you all at this time. Fred was a good friend and I spent many years playing softball and then having him umpire games I played in.
Diane and Doug Ellingson says
Helen and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Fred. I enjoyed umpiring softball with him back in the day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane M Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers to comfort you through these next few days.
Marlys Burkett says
Helen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May the fond memories of Fred get you through this difficult passage. And may he RIP. Love to all of you ❤️.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Helen and Family,
So very saddened to read of the loss of your beloved. Such a handsome man in his picture in the obituary. I always enjoyed seeing him at Mass, and finding the two of you together attending Church. Fred was such a character! Definitely a one of a kind! “Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
Wishing you all peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of a tremendous man,
Kim Stanton
Randy Goldade says
Sorry to here of Fred’s passing
He was a great guy
My dad died Tuesday May 31
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
My sincere sympathy goes out to Helen and all the family. I didn’t know Fred, but if Jeff is anything like him, he would’ve been a wonderful Father, Grandfather and example. Rest In Peace🇺🇸
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Dear Helen and family. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. Fred was such a nice man and so friendly to everyone. We loved visiting with the both of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Flotkoetter says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Prayers my friend.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Mike and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Frederick’s passing Our deepest sympathy to you and all the family. God Bless you in heaven Frederick.. I’m so sorry you had to leave us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Michael Carr says
Michael I am so very sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord hold you and comfort you all.
Harriet Sleaford Jansen says
Heien and all of the Braybant & Carranco Families. Swas surprised and saddened to see the passing of Fred. My prayers are with you and Helen I will call you later.
Shannon Holmen says
Helen,
I addressed your card to you and the boys….totally forgot you had a daughter. My apologies.