The Rev. Harrry Brearly Whitley
Aug 16th, 2015
WHITLEY, THE REV. HARRY BREARLEY, of Mahwah, New Jersey, died on Cape Cod, MA, August 16, 2015, at 94 years of age.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Eileen (McDermott) and George Herbert Whitley. A graduate of Michigan State University, BA ’42 and The General Theological Seminary LTh, STB, MDiv ’45, Harry began his ministry in Puerto Rico. Next, he served as chaplain to Episcopal students at the University of Nebraska. He served in parishes in Illinois and Michigan before his assignment as rector of St. James in Farmington, CT. In 1962, he was elected rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, CT. While serving in the Diocese of CT, Harry held a number of diocesan posts, including secretary to the Board of Examining Chapters, President of the Society for The Increase of Ministry for 30 years, Standing Committee for the Diocese, Deputy for the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. In ’66 he was elected rector of St. Peter’s Church in Essex Fell, NJ followed by 10 years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Paterson, NJ. His last service was as Benefits Officer at the Church Pension Fund in New York City. At this time, he was Chairman of the Alumni fund for 2 years and on the Board of Trustees for 2 years at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. In his retirement Harry was a member of Christ Church, Ridgewood, NJ and for many years a member of Activities Unlimited in Wyckoff, NJ.
Harry is survived by his wife Jane (Logie) of 43 years, children by his first wife, Dorothy; Dianna Whitley of Las Vegas, NV, Michelle and her husband, Raymond Richards, of Husam, WA, Cheyenne of Tualatin, OR, Harry of Caballo of New Mexico, and Robert of Dixon of New Mexico. Two step daughters, Sarah Anderson of Fairfield, CT, and Caralyn Henry-Silver of Caldwell, NJ. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A memorial service and committal will be private at St. David’s Memorial Garden, South Yarmouth, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The General Theological Seminary, 175 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10011-4983.