John Eberbach Bromley III, a resident of Lincoln, CA, formerly of Oceanside and Corona del Mar, passed away on Dec. 20, 2018 at the age of 92. John was a graduate of Lowell Textile Institute in Massachusetts (now U. Mass-Lowell), and was heir to John Bromley & Sons, the historic Bromley Mill and Factory on Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia. The mill was built in 1886 and manufactured carpet, rugs, curtains and lace. As a textile engineer, he worked in the mill for many years. However his first love was always sailing. In 1964, John left the family business and moved his young family to California, where he established a successful yacht brokerage and raced sailboats. John was a member of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for many years. In the 1970’s, he collaborated with noted boat designer Britton Chance, Jr., to bring Lucky Chance to the west coast. This speedy sailboat won many races with John at the helm. He also collaborated with DuPont to develop quick dry fabric and founded Sea Mark, a brand of sailing shorts. He was President of the California Yacht Brokers Association in 1982 and in 1985 received the Merle B. Parke award for outstanding service to the CYBA and the California yacht industry. After retiring from an active yachting career, John became a certified financial planner. He also enjoyed playing the theatre organ and was a member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS). He and Mary Jane were collectors of fine Southwest art, including originals from RC Gorman, Poulson and Nieto. John is preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Mary Jane Bilek Bromley, his brother David, and sister Ida May. He is survived by his sister Judy, son Peter, daughters Barbara and Diane, nieces Susan and Judy, nephews Tristan, Evan, and John, grandchildren Evan and Jennifer, and great grandchildren Azalea, Jesenia, Naomi, and Jasleen. John will be laid to rest beside Mary Jane at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, California. A memorial service will be held Feb. 23, 2019, 10:00am at the Pacific View Chapel, 3500 Pacific View Ave., Corona del Mar, CA.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5