Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Dale Lewis, a dedicated Navy SEAL, was born on June 30, 1977, in Danbury, Connecticut. He passed away on July 6, 2007, from injuries sustained in combat near Baghdad. Jason, of Virginia Beach, VA, and formerly of Brookfield, was a beloved husband, father, and son, deeply cherished by his family and community.

Jason grew up in Brookfield, enjoying fly fishing, rock climbing, cycling, and other outdoor activities. He was a devoted father who loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and their three children, Jack, Max, and Grace. He also leaves behind his parents, Jean Mariano and Dale Lewis, his sister Jennie Schell, and her husband Kenneth, and his in-laws, Jack and Doris Tyransky, and Kerri Eannarino and her husband Brett. Jason’s maternal grandparents, Joseph and Frances Mariano, also mourn his loss, along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jason joined the Navy in 1996 and graduated from basic SEAL training the following year. He was based at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach. Tragically, he lost his life when a homemade bomb detonated under the Humvee he was riding in, also claiming the lives of Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Robert Richard McRill and Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Steven Phillip Daugherty.

Funeral services for Jason were held at the First Assembly of God Church in Brookfield on July 14th, officiated by the Rev. Mark Cernero, who had known Jason since he was four years old. Jason was laid to rest with full military honors at Center Cemetery in New Milford. 

Jason’s commitment to his country was recognized by many, including Governor M. Jodi Rell, who ordered all state and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. “He is a hero, not just to us in Brookfield, but to our entire state and our entire country,” Governor Rell stated. “His sacrifice on behalf of all of us will never be forgotten.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions were requested for the Jason Lewis Memorial Fund or the Naval Special Warfare Foundation. Jason’s legacy continues to be honored by his family, friends, and community, and his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.