John Brawley, 73, of Gloucester, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, March 9, 2012. His wife of over 51 years, Peggy, was at his side.

He was born Aug. 8, 1938 in Sheffield, England, raised in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America with his mother in 1951. They resided in Elmira, N.Y., where John graduated from Elmira Free Academy.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961. Upon honorable discharge, he was employed by the Mitre Corporation in Bedford, Mass., and attended Lowell Technological Institute. John worked at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in the Nuclear Studies Department from 1964-1987. At that time he and his family relocated to Virginia where he worked for Jefferson Lab (CEBAF) as the Electron Beam Welder in the SRF division. Upon retiring in 2003, he and his wife moved to water-view property in Gloucester, a dream come true for both of them.

John and Peggy were founding members of KirkWood Presbyterian Church, Yorktown, where he served as an ordained Elder. In Gloucester, John was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he attended the Men’s Sunday School Class and the Men’s Wednesday Morning Prayer Breakfast. 

John was diagnosed with incurable pulmonary fibrosis in 2009 at which time he was put on oxygen. His intellect and wonderful sense of humor, which he maintained until the end, helped him tolerate this hindrance. His family and friends are comforted knowing he is breathing peacefully now.

John is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children, Mike Brawley (Lila), Jean Speights, and Beth Goller (Robert); grandchildren, Emily and Molly Brawley, Alexander John Goller, and Madeline Speights; brother-in-law, Marty Yerg (Tu); sister-in-law, Kitty Scholeno (Vince); nieces and nephews and their families, and many special friends.

A Celebration of Life service, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Douglas Nagel and the Rev. Dr. Michael Condrey, will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Gloucester. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061; Riverside Walter Reed Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 1130, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or to the Building Fund of First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 581, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, is in charge of arrangements.