John Roland Bramley

He was born October 13, 1929 in Middletown, NY to Dewey Forrest Bramley and Maude Rose (Worden) Bramley. They resided for a brief time in Shavertown, NY before moving to Delhi, NY where John's sister Lorna was born in 1932.

John was a lifelong resident of Delaware County. After graduating Delaware Academy, he worked for Louie's Garage on Main Street for a number of years before joining his father at Dewey F. Bramley & Son insurance agency. After Dewey's passing, John headed the agency for over 50 years becoming a valued and respected businessman. His days at the auto garage were some of his fondest stories to tell as tinkering was a grand passion of his.

In 1954, John married his beloved wife Helen Ann Laing Bramley at the Meridale Presbyterian Church. She passed away in 2020, after celebrating 66 wonderful married years.

Throughout his robust life, he was extremely active in many various organizations in Delhi. John was a trusted town father serving several terms on the Delhi Town Council, a devoted member of the United Ministry Church while also studying Christian Science, a longtime member of the Delaware River Lodge #439 Free & Accepted Masons, a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and active in the Delhi Historical Society and member of the Delaware County Historical Association. Also he was a board member of Meredith Insurance Company.

John served in the National Guard, Walton, NY from 1951 to 1954. And he was with the Delhi Fire Department since 1954, member of the Engine Company and also EMS.

John was a generous contributor to many local organizations, namely the Bramley Fire Tower, Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, 4-H Camp Shankitunk, O'Connor Hospital, The Boy Scouts, Catskill Area Hospice, Village Swimming Pool and awarded scholarships to graduating Delaware Academy students.

John had too many interests to name as he was always curious on any subject. But his most loved passions were being an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, a gemologist, a dowser, and a meteorologist. In 2024 he was honored with two prestigious National Weather Service awards for his decades of service as a local weather observer. He began his service in 1965 and faithfully called in the rainfall, temp, and conditions every morning.

While all the above accolades and accomplishments were a part of his life, John's greatest joy came from his love of family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. He is predeceased by his wife Helen (Laing) Bramley, his father Dewey Bramley, his mother Maude (Worden) Bramley, his sister Lorna (Bramley) Leone, brothers-in-law David Leone Sr., James Davis, William Laing, Gilbert Laing, and sisters-in-law Joyce Freyer and Ann Laing.

John is survived by his son James Bramley, daughter Marcy (Bramley) Ruggiero, son-in-law Francis Ruggiero, and his most treasured grandchildren Chiara Noelle, Luke Francis, Nicolette Gianna Ruggiero who in turn thought the world of him!

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Linda Riddell, Doreen Laing, and Sandy Laing, brothers-in-law Martin Freyer, Neil Riddell, Daniel Laing, and numerous nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces.

The family thanks all friends, neighbors, relatives, and business associates for their love and support. John lived more than a full life right to the end and it is with gratitude and remorse we share this news. A small local gathering will be held in his honor the weekend of May 22, 2026 with the details to follow shortly.

Please leave any beautiful memory or funny story of your interactions with John, along with any condolences at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com