Hilton Brooks Brothwell

HILTON BROOKS BROTHWELL was born on June 30, 1948, in Hartford, Connecticut to Wilbur and Elsie (MacMillan) Brothwell. He spent his first 18 years in the town of Chester, CT, graduated with a BA in psychology from Hillsdale College in Michigan, and embarked on a 40-year career in residential and industrial painting. He passed away of natural causes on August 27, 2024, at his home in Madison, Wisconsin.

Hilton was a kind and gentle person, an unwavering husband, and a loyal friend. Among his many gifts was an ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a loving uncle to three nephews and one niece: Justin Brothwell Hurie (Renu Syal), Andrew Hilton Hurie (Carolina Zuniga-Solarte), Merritt Brothwell, and Sarah Manning Brothwell, as well as granduncle to two grandnephews: Elián Hurie-Zuniga and Josiah Brooks Hurie. His wife, Gail Jean Neely of Roxbury, WI, preceded him in death, as did his sister, Marjorie Brooks Brothwell Hurie of Madison, and his brother, Charles Ransom Brothwell of Buffalo, New York. Hilton nurtured a wide circle of friends and always made time to visit his neighbors, fellow painters and their families, his in-laws the Neelys of Roxbury, Madison, and Arizona, Hickory Hurie and Sharon Hutchinson of Madison, Lisa Goodman Brothwell of Buffalo, and his many dear friends in Madison and Middleton. He was known as “Red” to his colleagues in the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 802, while the children of friends and neighbors affectionately called him “Uncle Hilton.”

Since moving to Madison in 1972, Hilton enjoyed Wisconsin: the woods, ice fishing, and India pale ales. He followed the Packers, the Brewers, and the Badgers on TV and radio, but he never wanted a cell phone. He smoked turkey and beef and was known for his deviled eggs and roasted squash at Thanksgiving potlucks. Each year on the Fourth of July, Hilton thrilled generations of children with his theatrical firework displays. As a labor of love, he refinished oak and butternut furniture and renovated a house in his neighborhood that had fallen into disrepair. More comfortable on county highways than airplanes, Hilton traveled the world through his avid reading of local and national newspapers.

With his kindness, empathy, humor, and raspy chuckle, Hilton uplifted the people and places he visited. He was always willing to lend a hand, climb a tall ladder, help fix a snow blower, and listen—intently and generously—to family and friends and to those he just met. A celebration of his life will be held from 10:00 am to 12 noon on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison, Wisconsin where his friends and relatives can offer remembrances and stories of Hilton’s life.