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Death in our diocesan family: The Rev. Harry Brearley Whitley

The Rev. Harry Brearley Whitley

With sadness we share the news of the passing of the Rev. Harry Brearley Whitley, 94, of Mahwah, NJ, on August 16, 2015 on Cape Cod, MA.. During his 70 years of ordained ministry he served as Rector of St. Peter's, Essex Fells (1966-1970) and St. Paul's, Paterson (1971-1981).

Harry was born on July 11, 1921 in Detroit, MI. After graduating from Michigan State University, BA '42 and The General Theological Seminary LTh, STB, MDiv '45, he began his ministry in Puerto Rico. Next, he served as chaplain to Episcopal students at the University of Nebraska. He then served congregations in Illinois, Michigan and Connecticut (where he served on the Standing Committee and as General Convention Deputy) before coming to the Diocese of Newark. 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, he was a member of Christ Church, Ridgewood and for many years a member of Activities Unlimited in Wyckoff, NJ. 

Harry is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jane Logie Whitley; five children from his first marriage: Dianna Whitley of Las Vegas, NV, Michelle and her husband, Raymond Richards, of Husam, WA, Cheyenne of Tualatin, OR, Harry of Caballo, NM, and Robert of Dixon, NM; two stepdaughters: Sarah Anderson of Fairfield, CT, and Caralyn Henry-Silver of Caldwell, NJ; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service and committal will be held at St. David's Memorial Garden, South Yarmouth, MA.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Jane Whitley, 8 Heir’s Landing, South Dennis, MA  02660.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The General Theological Seminary, 175 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10011-4983.

Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant Harry to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by his example; give us the grace to keep the faith he taught and to follow in his footsteps. We entrust him into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.