Cos Cob, CT—The Cos Cob community is mourning the loss of Pat Bria, a cherished coach and mentor whose dedication and warmth left a lasting impact on countless young lives. Pat Bria, known affectionately as Coach Pat, passed away suddenly at 51, leaving behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of the Cos Cob Crushers youth football league, where he served as head coach and President.
Coach Pat, who was diagnosed with diabetes in his 20s, bravely battled end-stage renal failure for many years, hoping for a life-saving kidney transplant that ultimately never came. Despite his declining health, he continued his dedication to coaching, shaping lives and offering support to those around him. His giving nature and fierce loyalty were evident as he consistently put his players, friends, and family before himself.
For 36 years, Pat Bria was the heart and soul of the Crushers, and his loss has left a deep void in the community. “Besides my parents and brothers, there was only one other person I wanted to share my successes with, and that was Coach Pat,” shared one of his former players. His influence extended beyond the field, where he offered his unconditional support to his life partner Kelley and her sons, Larry, Tony, and Dom.
To honor Coach Pat’s memory and assist his family in covering the extensive medical expenses and costs following his passing, Shannon Bassalik has organized a fundraiser. The community has rallied in support, with contributions pouring in from friends and admirers. Among the donations, Vincent Tortorella has made a significant contribution of $1,000, joined by others like Sheldon Abbett, who donated $100. Every donation, no matter the size, helps Kelley and her sons maintain the home Pat built for them, providing stability as they navigate this profound loss.
Pat Bria’s legacy as a coach and community pillar will live on through the lives he touched. We ask that you keep Kelley, Larry, Tony, Dom, and all who loved Pat in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Summary of Pat Bria’s Legacy and Community Support
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pat Bria |
| Age at Passing | 51 |
| Community Role | Head Coach and President, Cos Cob Crushers youth football league |
| Fundraiser Organizer | Shannon Bassalik |
| Purpose | Cover medical bills, support family’s living expenses |
| Top Donation | $1,000 (Vincent Tortorella) |
| Recent Donation | $100 (Sheldon Abbett) |
| Location | Cos Cob, CT |
| Family Members | Life partner Kelley; sons Larry, Tony, and Dom |
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pat Bria’s family and friends. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him, and may his legacy continue to inspire.
Note:This post was written and edited by Daniel Jones, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.