Jacen Paul Gallbronner

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

~ Dr. Seuss ~

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Jacen Paul Gallbronner's passing on May 22, 2023.   It's clear that Jacen touched the lives of many during his short 20 years on earth. His absence will surely be felt by those who knew and loved him. It's important to remember the positive impact he had and keep his memory alive in our hearts.

He was deeply loved by his family, Tom & Cathy (Dad & Mom) the coolest big brother (Jared), and four very protective shepherds (Rylee, Jager, Stella & Remy).  His loving grandparents Claudia & Frank Matthews (Mimi & Poppy), his adoring aunts and uncles (Christine & Frank Paine; Tracie & Kevin Flynn), and the cousins that always made sure to include him – even if it was just for the funny pictures (Kaitlyn, Kelsie, Kate, Frankie, Abby, Maddy, Michael, Caroline). 

Jacen was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Fran & John Gallbronner, and his sister, whom he was never able to meet, Cherish.

Jacen had his loving and supportive staff that quickly became family.  We all would not have lived our best lives with Jacen if it weren’t for you:  Matthew Roscoe, David Whitney, Melvin Brand, Kia Santo, Jared Gallbronner, Frank Paine, Alyssa Chouinard, and Allison LePage.  Some staff that left but remained a part of our lives: Chris Stango and Faithlyn Miller.

Jacen attended 3 schools during his educational career: Aces, Village School, Giant Steps, and Milestones Behavioral Services.   MBS was the place where Jacen could truly be himself.  He found his “people”.   They allowed him to shine and nurtured him as if he was their own.  Sure, he left some battle scars, but those love bites are just his way for you to remember him.  Fortunately for Jacen… there are just too many special people to name, but for me and the support I received there advocating for his needs every time; I thank Aimee, Lisa, and Tracy – without you 3 ‘mothering’ him; he would have never gotten this far.

To all the Yale Peeps that handled all his medical care and taught me how to care for him in ways I never thought possible.  From Dr. Angoff, Dr. Miller, Dr. Spencer-Manzon, and Dr. T to Emily and Kristen and the countless nurses and PCAs that greatly impacted our lives.   WE THANK YOU!  You are our HEROS!

We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.

~ Winnie the Pooh ~

The power of one person's impact on others is truly remarkable. He showed us that sometimes the best thing to do in life is to wake up and express love to the people around you. He also taught us forgiveness. Jacen may have expressed his anger or excitement in unusual ways, but five minutes later he would give high-fives and special kisses as if nothing had changed.  

Jacen had a unique ability to make everyone that worked with him feel that ‘they’ were his favorite; he did this by a special look, a song, a toy, a story, a favorite YouTube video he needed to share with you or that special place that he wanted only you to take him.   He approached every day with innocence and pure joy that most can never achieve… but he did.

Saying goodbye to a child is difficult, but saying goodbye to a child that didn’t talk is different.  He didn’t speak words to you, but you knew.  You knew that he loved you with every part of him.  You knew that he forgave you for ‘losing your temper’.  You knew that no matter what, his love for you never left.  He was never angry at you, frustrated maybe, but that wasn’t at you, but rather his own physical limitations to do the things he loved with you.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Buckingham Avenue, Milford beginning at 9:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life memorial service at The Gallbronner home at 11:00 am for all that knew and loved Jacen.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked Memorial contributions can be made in Jacen's memory to Milestones Behavioral Services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacen Paul Gallbronner, please visit our floral store.