Hall Quarry, Mt. Desert
Harry E. Brawley Jr., 79, died at home April 5th, 2014 after a two year battle with cancer. He was born in Hagerstown, MD, April 22, 1934, the son of Harry E. Brawley Sr. and Mary Paige (Plumley) Brawley.
Harry graduated from McDonogh School and Harvard University. He worked for a number of years as an electrical engineer. His entrepreneurial efforts included a company that manufactured smoke monitors, and (with his wife and business partner of 32 years) Sigea Systems, a software company. After moving to Maine they advised local small businesses on a wide spectrum of issues. Harry was introduced to Uechi-Ryu Karate when the Okinawan style was first brought to this country. He continued to practice daily on his own for over 50 years. He always encouraged fitness and health in family, friends and others. He believed his fitness proved invaluable in his final months. He worked out daily until 2 months before his death. His interest in cooking began as a boy scout. He would collect whatever the other scouts brought to the cookout, and concoct something delicious. For the rest of his life he eagerly shared delicious dinners, tips, discoveries and recipes with anyone who was interested, or even others who soon became interested. Not only did he leave people with happy stomachs after each meal, but also with inspiration. Two of his sons were inspired to enter the professional cooking field. A lifetime love of classical music started with a crystal set radio he built as a small boy, and led to homes always full of good music. He loved sailing with his wife, and sailing in Maine inspired their move to Mount Desert in 1994. He will especially miss his Thursday lunches, tackling challenges of any kind, Wagner Operas, interesting books on all subjects and of course, cooking.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen (Thorndike); his sons Harry Brawley III and his wife Christen of VT, Richard W. Brawley and his wife Margaret of MA and Daniel U. Brawley and his wife Stacey of PA; step children Margaret Rice Jay and her husband David of MA, Jonathan E. Rice and his wife Lindsley of MA; his brother, Richard B. Brawley and his wife JoAnn of NC; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; “local daughter” MJ Penn; special friend Benjamin Sawyer; and the mother of his children, Barbara Barry.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
Donations in his memory may be made to Hancock County Home Care and Hospice, PO Box 156, Blue Hill, ME 04614.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com