Harold 'Turk' Brohawn, retired pipe fitter
Harold R. “Turk” Brohawn, 88, of Rehoboth Beach, previously of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. Turk was born in Cambridge, Md., January 7, 1927. He was the son of the late Edgar and Minnie (Willey) Brohawn.
Turk graduated from Cambridge High School in 1944. Following his graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served in World War II as a paratrooper. After his honorable discharge, he embarked on a lifelong career as a pipefitter with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 74 (formerly Pipefitters Local 80) serving as the union financial secretary for eight years. Turk was one of the founders of the Pipefitters Federal Credit Union where he served as president and board member for many years.
Turk was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington prior to relocating to Rehoboth Beach in 2002. He became a member of St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach in 2005.
Turk will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his desire to give to others, and his special love for his Yorkshire Terriers, Lucy and Lacy. Turk particularly enjoyed travelling and gardening. He was known for his ability to plan a trip to the finest detail and for spending many hours gardening and landscaping.
In addition to his parents, Turk was preceded in death by his son, Rusty; his first wife Polly; his second wife Jean; two brothers; and three sisters. Turk is survived by his wife, Joan Ryan Brohawn; three nieces, and three nephews. Turk enjoyed a large blended family. He was a wonderful father and grandfather to the Schoen-Durrant-McKeown and Ballas-Ryan families. He is survived by 12 stepchildren; 24 stepgrandchildren; and many stepgreat-grandchildren who will miss him dearly. We thank him for the love, knowledge, and wisdom he shared with us.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 5, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, with visitation at 10 a.m. Interment will be private at St. James Episcopal Church Cemetery. In event of inclement weather, please contact Parsell Funeral Homes for changes.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Turk’s Memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or http://www.delawarehospice.org/.
Please visit Turk’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
