George Anderson Braley
October 5, 1948 ~ March 28, 2021
BRALEY--George Anderson -- George Anderson Braley, 72, died on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Fairfax Hospital from congestive heart failure. He was born in Riverdale, MD, the second of two sons of Jeannette Anderson Braley and Berton James Braley.
George is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Margaret “Margy” Gallagher Braley; three children, Allison Braley-Patton (Bryant), Megan Braley (Matt Mahon), Colin Braley (Emily); his brother, Berton James Braley, Jr. (Linda); and four grandchildren, Nora and Clifton Patton, Craig Mahon and Jesse Braley. In addition, he is survived by numerous Gallagher in-laws who were like siblings, and beloved nieces and nephews.
George Braley was a Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy for Feeding America and previously retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as deputy administrator for special nutrition programs, where he spent 30+ years developing policy for hunger issues. His work fulfilled his sense of purpose and fed the hungry.
He attended the University of Maryland on a track scholarship, after excelling at high jump and triple jump in high school and beyond.
George will be remembered for his quick wit, love of adventure, and deep devotion to his family. He could be found watching U of Maryland sports (Go Terps!), traveling to destinations near and far, skiing with his brothers-in-law, at Braley reunions in Iowa, or driving with the wind in his hair as an old favorite song played. Everyone who knew him could tell a funny story about him; he lit up every room and made an impression on everyone he met.
A memorial service will be held on April 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Money and King in Vienna, Virginia for close family. The service will also be virtually streamed, please click the link immediately below this obituary under the "Events" section, View Webcast "Watch Event" to view the webcast live. An online guestbook is available at www.moneyandking.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Feeding America in memory of George Braley.
The family will be receiving guests following the service April 10, 2021 from noon until 2:30pm at Bazin's on Church, located at 111 Church St NW Vienna, VA. This is an open house and all are welcome. The reception will be held outdoors on a tented patio, so please dress accordingly.
George is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Margaret “Margy” Gallagher Braley; three children, Allison Braley-Patton (Bryant), Megan Braley (Matt Mahon), Colin Braley (Emily); his brother, Berton James Braley, Jr. (Linda); and four grandchildren, Nora and Clifton Patton, Craig Mahon and Jesse Braley. In addition, he is survived by numerous Gallagher in-laws who were like siblings, and beloved nieces and nephews.
George Braley was a Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy for Feeding America and previously retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as deputy administrator for special nutrition programs, where he spent 30+ years developing policy for hunger issues. His work fulfilled his sense of purpose and fed the hungry.
He attended the University of Maryland on a track scholarship, after excelling at high jump and triple jump in high school and beyond.
George will be remembered for his quick wit, love of adventure, and deep devotion to his family. He could be found watching U of Maryland sports (Go Terps!), traveling to destinations near and far, skiing with his brothers-in-law, at Braley reunions in Iowa, or driving with the wind in his hair as an old favorite song played. Everyone who knew him could tell a funny story about him; he lit up every room and made an impression on everyone he met.
A memorial service will be held on April 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Money and King in Vienna, Virginia for close family. The service will also be virtually streamed, please click the link immediately below this obituary under the "Events" section, View Webcast "Watch Event" to view the webcast live. An online guestbook is available at www.moneyandking.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Feeding America in memory of George Braley.
The family will be receiving guests following the service April 10, 2021 from noon until 2:30pm at Bazin's on Church, located at 111 Church St NW Vienna, VA. This is an open house and all are welcome. The reception will be held outdoors on a tented patio, so please dress accordingly.
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It was the summer of ’65 and George and I were both arrested for drunk & disorderly at the local Hot Shoppes. Far as I know the only time George ran afoul of the law. I consider it an honer to have shared that indignity with him. He was a good and funny friend who now knows the answer to the Great Mystery while those he has left behind are still scratchin our heads. See you soon my friend- Robert Lamb
Bob, this made us smile during such a difficult time. George shared this tale with us often and he loved you. We are hosting an outdoor reception following the service from noon until 2:30pm at Bazin’s on Church, located at 111 Church St NW Vienna, VA, if you’re able to join.
George made a difference in Georgia with his deep understanding of USDA nutrition programs and thoughtful guidance as we looked for policy solutions that would help us feed more children and families. He lived a life of purpose and made a difference. He will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss and join you in celebrating his life. Danah Craft, Georgia Food Bank Association
George was a great person and man and he was so great to work with and he had lots of friends and of course his family! May he rest in peace and he will be very much missed. Jacki McVee
My thoughts prayers our with your family George was very nice man and kind he will be missed
What a shock to hear of George’s passing. From the 7th through 12th grades George, Robert Lamb, Mark Weinberg and I were practically inseparable. We shared each other’s still developing thoughts and dreams, successes and failures, first loves and broken hearts. Different colleges (at least for me), distance, careers, families and time broke our group but never our shared memories. Reunions were too infrequent, the internet didn’t exist, and nobody wrote letters or made regular phone calls. Still we saw each other occasionally and somehow we were all young teens again. I don’t know what it is about the friends you develop in your formative years that differs from friends of later in life – I just know it is different. George’s passing has to be crushing to Margy, Allison, Megan, and Colin. I am praying for Peace for each of you. Please know your grief is shared by people with names you may have heard infrequently and possibly never. Regardless, our world is now a less full and complete place. George will be remembered and mourned as a dear friend who is forever young. John Seaman
Thank you so much for your kind words, John, and your friendship over so many years. George loved you all. We are hosting an outdoor reception following the service from noon until 2:30pm at Bazin’s on Church, located at 111 Church St NW Vienna, VA, if you’re able to join.
Margy, I expect to be there.
George was a terrific colleague and friend. It was always a pleasure to be with him and work together on something. I was his boss for a time but always felt he was more knowledgeable and effective than I was. Losing him is a great loss for so many who admired him and benefited so much from his many thoughtful and caring contributions. He always seem so resilient that it is a painful shock to know we won’t be able to get together again. From David de Ferranti
I cannot get George and your entire family out of my mind this week. Many thoughts and prayers for you all. George was such a great man. We thoroughly enjoyed several ski trips with him, his brothers (-in-law), and Alison. I was the one always trying to keep up, but George and his brothers were always there to encourage me and push me beyond what I thought I could accomplish. If I needed to sit out, George wouldn’t leave me behind and feign sore knees to keep me company. I know his knees bothered him, but that rarely kept him from the slopes. Russ and I cherish the ski trip memories and know George to be a loving, caring encourager. Much love to you all during these days and the coming year.
I am sorry to hear of George’s passing. I worked with him for several years at the Food and Nutrition Service. A very smart guy, very dedicated to the food programs, a great sense of humor, and just a very nice person. My condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. We will keep him and his family in our prayers. I grew up on Quinwood street in Langley Park, Md. a few doors down from the Braley’s. George was always easy to find, just look for the trail of red pistachio shells, and George was not far away. Either that or he could be found high jumping over the hedges. Many good memories growing up playing ball in the street, cub scouts or just goofing around outside. Please accept our sincere condolences. May he Rest In Peace.
Margy, Sue and I are so sorry you lost your husband. It was so clear you had a beautiful family when we spent time together while our kids played basketball (Megan, Karen and Elisabeth) and at GAO. You and your family are in our prayers. With condolences, Joe and Sue Pegnato
A candle was lit for the decedent.
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Braley. He was such a kind and wonderfully warm person. I coached his son Colin and his wife Emily when they were in high school at Oakton and I have many fond memories of George on the side of the track supporting all the athletes. He was always cheerful and a gentle person. I can remember sitting by him and talking about track many times when he was watching our meets. My heart goes out to the Braley family and to all the many loved ones and friends who knew George. We will be there on Saturday for the service and we are there in Virginia in spirit with the Braley’s during this difficult time. Sending love and our deepest condolences from London. Phil and Kristin Tiller
George Braley and I came from different career paths. He was a person committed to government service and I was an anti hunger advocate. We however shared the same goal: a desire to assist any person in need of food or nutrition assistance. If you read the loving OB posted by the family, it will tell you all you need to know about the life and contributions of George Braley to Americans in need. The one thing that I would add is that George was: a class act. I looked up the meaning of “Having class” on the Google. Having class involves good manners, politeness, pride without showboating, empathy, humility and an abundance of self control. Your actions speak louder than your words. That was George in a nutshell. In 1997, I left the nonprofit world of antihunger work and crossed over to “the dark side”, that would be the government, specifically, the US department of Agriculture. Ron Vogel and I jointly administered Special Nutrition programs, working for George. Ron was a brilliant administer, a close ally and an occasional challenge to George, while I was always a challenge. We both loved the man. The reason was that George treated everyone with respect whether you were a high government official, an abled body adult without Children on SNAP, or a private sector person seeking assistance on government policy. My hope is that some of these critics of career government officials meet up with George at their next afterlife so that they can experience what outstanding dedicated public service is all about. Ed Cooney
George and I first met when I was a young economist at the Food & Nutrition Service, USDA in the late 1970’s. I am sure it was as much a surprise to him as me that in 1981 I returned to be the Administrator of FNS. Regardless he was always a gentleman, respectful, knowledgeable and dedicated to the issues of food security for needy individuals and children. I am sorry we did not stay connected over the last few years for I would have enjoyed his insights and thoughts on these issues that still confront us today. My prayers are with him and his family.
Margaret, Angela and I are very sorry to hear of George’s passing. We will make an additional contribution to Feeding America in George’s name, which has been one of our favorite charities for many years. Don Phillips
George will be missed greatly by his many friends in the food bank world. George brought considerable experience and knowledge to Feeding America when he transitioned from USDA, and he made a significant impact in helping all of us at the local level be more effective in providing food assistance to families and people throughout the United States. George’s calm demeanor, subtle sense of humor and interest in everyone he met was appreciated by all. My condolences to George’s family. You can take great pride in George’s many accomplishments during his career and the respectful and friendly way he went about his work, a true gentleman. Michael Flood Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Have many fond memories of working with George at FNS for nearly 30 years. He retired a year before me, but came back to MC my retirement party as only George could do. Stan Garnett and Eileen Garnett
George will always be one of the legends of the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service for me. Early in my FNS career, I remember being in meetings with George and Ron Vogel where I thought we had an intractable problem, but by the time we came out of the meeting, the problem was solved and we had at least a laugh or two doing it. After he retired from FNS and I sought his advice on a mentor within USDA for my senior executive development program, he offered to be my “offline” mentor. I enjoyed talking to him about his career and was so touched that he wanted to support me. Sending my condolences to George’s family and many friends, Laura Castro
I Met George in My Early twenty’s as a Member of The Army Reserve. We Spent a Couple of Weeks Together On maneuvers during the summer. I’ve only seen George for five times since but I don’t many day’s have gone by that he didn’t cross my mind. And when that occurred I would smile on the inside. He had an incredible sense of humor and was a lot of fun to hang out with. My sympathy goes out to his family and a mutual friend Howard Bomstein. It Was The Beetle , The Bomber, And Me, Honest Gil
“In Every Army Reservist Life There Is a Summer Camp Of ‘72” One of the best two week period’s in my life. Hanging Out With George aka Beetle and Howard aka (The Bomber) Honest Gil
I want to express my deepest sympathy to George’s family for the loss of a very special person–his wit, his wisdom, his commitment to others combine to a loss that will be felt not only by those who knew him, but also those he touched without them even knowing it. May your memories bring you comfort. Jessica Shahin
Mr. Braley was large part of my adolescence through his son, Colin. He always showed me kindness and compassion which lives on in Colin. Thank you for the memories (especially when you shared your firework collection).
My sincere condolences to George’s family and friends. George was wonderful to work with, laugh with, and figure out how to solve issues. I met George in 1980/81 and worked closely with him at USDA/FNS and thoroughly enjoyed his company, humor, professionalism, expertise, and counsel during that time. In getting to know George throughout that time and how he knew the food assistance programs, his ability to work with people of varying viewpoints with such an easy-going manner, he was a natural and obvious choice to have him be my deputy as Associate Administrator of FNS. I really enjoyed being with George every day and am deeply saddened by his passing. My heartfelt sympathy. Scott Dunn
It was with enormous sadness that I learned of George’s passing. I knew him from elementary school through High Point, and on to Maryland. I can vividly recall standing with him in front of the Langley Theater, and his walking over to a round metal pole that held the parking sign. He grabbed the pole underhand with one hand, overhand with the other, and hoisted himself into a horizontal position, and stayed there for a very long time – long enough to draw a crowd of girls. There is a phrase in Hebrew, Tikun Olam – to heal the world, making it a better place. It is hard to think of George’s life’s work without having that phrase come to mind. We are proud to have known him.
George was a wonderful friend and mentor. I worked as his Assistant at FNS for 6 years until his retirement in 2007. I have fond memories of his compassion, level headness, and sense of humor. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Lorie Conneen
George hired me to serve as his asst. when he was acting and deputy Administrator at USDA. Not only was he a great mentor and teacher – he was a friend. He was also really really funny, witty, considerate, empathetic and smart – especially during some trying times for the agency. He is one of the main reasons I am back at USDA. We are all fortunate to have known and learned form George. He will be missed but not forgotten.