Lou Rell, former Gov. M. Jodi Rell's husband, died Saturday.

"Lou was devoted to his family, and their loss is felt by countless people throughout our state," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a prepared statement Saturday evening. "Governor Rell, her family, and the Brookfield community will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days."

Lou Rell was a Navy pilot who moved to Brookfield in northwest Connecticut with Jodi Rell in 1969. The couple had two children.

Jodi Rell, Connecticut's 87th governor, served from 2004, following former Gov. John G. Rowland's resignation, until 2011.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said in a prepared statement, "I was very fortunate to have known Lou Rell for many years. He was a man of integrity, humor, and commitment, and his passing is a tremendous loss."