Donald F. Brandewie

Donald F. Brandewie, 82, of Harrisburg, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2017, surrounded by family members, following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.  Born September 24, 1934 in Fort Loramie, Ohio, he was the son of the late Urban and Julia (Drees) Brandewie.  He was married to Carol J. (Buirley) Brandewie on September 6, 1956.

In addition to his cherished wife of nearly 61 years, Don will be lovingly missed by his three daughters: Lynn, Christine, and Laura. Known affectionately as Dad-Dad, Don will also be missed by his four grandchildren: Brandi, Amanda, Lauralyn, and Donald, and his great-grandson, Christian, along with spouses and significant others, Ryan, Justin, Kelly and Matt. Don relished his role as family patriarch and his favorite times were those spent with family. Whether celebrating Christmas or a simple family cook-out, he was always ready to share a laugh, share advice, or lend a supportive ear. He welcomed everyone into his familial embrace. Don is also survived by his sister Barbara Brandewie Enneking. His only brother, James Brandewie, was killed while serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Don proudly served with the U.S. Army.

Besides family, Don’s other great love was education. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and went on to earn a Masters’ Degree in Science Education from West Virginia University. After graduation, he moved his family to Virginia, where he spent the next 30 years as teacher, principal and science supervisor for the Arlington Public Schools. 

In 1964, Don was presented with a Science Teaching Award in recognition of Outstanding Teaching of Science and Mathematics.  The following year, he was recognized by the Washington Academy of Sciences for generating contagious enthusiasm for science through inspirational teaching.  Upon his retirement in 1992, The Joint Board on Science and Engineering Education presented him with an award in recognition of his many years of leadership in promoting science education as Science Supervisor of the Arlington County Public School System.

At the time of his death, Don was a member of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church in Harrisburg, but his Memorial Mass will be celebrated in his home town, on Saturday July 15th, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church, 48 North Hanover Street, Minster, Ohio  45865. The family will receive friends at the church from 9 AM until time of the Mass. Interment will be in the cemetery of the Saints Peter and Paul Church in Newport, Ohio, where he and his wife were married. The family will have a luncheon and reception from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Minster. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) and Catholic Charities (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, 717-367-1543.

Condolences and memories may be shared at: www.FinkenbinderFamily.com  

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