CLEARWATER, Fla. – Brian David Astle, 77, of Clearwater, Fla. (and formerly Wakefield, Mass.), passed away suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.

Born to Dorothy and Ormand Astle on April 7, 1945, in Gardiner, Brian spent time growing up in Maine and Vermont before his family settled in Wakefield, Mass. Brian graduated from Wakefield High School, attended the Northeast School of Broadcasting in Boston, Mass. and earned his B.S. and MBA from Southern New Hampshire College.

A veteran of the United States Army, Brian served a tour in Vietnam prior to his honorable discharge as a private first class. He met his wife of 51 years, Sheryl Lasselle, in 1970, whom he married in January of 1971 and had two children.

Brian enjoyed a more than 50-year career in the phone industry, with various managerial level roles at New England Telephone, NYNEX, Verizon and FairPoint Communications. Additionally, Brian served for several years as vice president of the Winding Wood 10 Condo Board.

Brian was an avid photographer, earning him the “Papa-Razzi” nickname from his family. Armed with an amazing sense of humor and ability to make people laugh, Brian enjoyed doing crosswords, watching the Boston sports teams, traveling to various NASCAR events (including the Daytona 500) and he would never turn down a trip to Woodman’s in Essex, Mass. He was devoted to his family and was extremely proud of his role as Papa to his grandchildren.

Brian was predeceased by his mother and father, Dorothy and Ormand Astle; and sister, Gail Boyden.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Patrick Renna, son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Astle and Stefanie Gerken; grandchildren Samantha and Jack Renna and Gus Lawson; and brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Linda Astle.

To view and share condolences, please visit CurlewHills.com.

Brian loved his many pets, so in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Pinellas County, Florida.

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