Francis X. Brey

Francis Xavier Brey was the son of Rudy and Irene Brey, born May 2, 1935 in New York City. He joined the Air Core as a medic and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas then later Andover AFB in Massachusetts. After leaving the Air Force he attended St. John University and graduated with a degree in microbiology. He worked as a chemist/microbiologist for Ceiba-Geigi and Airwick. Francis took a break from biology in the mid/late 1970's to run his own package store in Kew Gardens, New York City. He moved to Connecticut in 1979, where he worked as an epidemiologist for several local health departments. In these positions he did a lot of work on lead poisoning as a public health hazard, and contributed tremendously to lead abatement in northeastern Connecticut. In the early 1990's he bought another package store in New London, Connecticut, and ran that until he retired in 2000. In 2001 he moved to Florida to enjoy his retirement. His whole life he was an outdoorsman and he especially enjoyed boating and fishing; that's a big part of why he retired to Port Charlotte. Francis will be remembered as a good father, a scientist, a businessman, and a lover of boating and fishing. Francis passed away at age 73 on July 5, 2008 and will be greatly missed by his son, Richard; daughter, Laura; companion, Camilla Huepenbecker and grandchildren, Steven, Michael, Bobby, Andrew and Zachary. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle and 2nd wife, Kathi. The family will receive friends 11:00 to Noon on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services with a celebration of Francis' life to follow at Noon with Deacon Mike Demegilo officiating. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.