Earl Davis Brewer Was Banker, Vietnam Veteran

Earl Davis Brewer died on Feb. 23 at his home in Edgartown, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He began life on Oct. 4, 1941 in Coeymans, N.Y., as the youngest of 11 children born to Bernice (Wiley) Brewer and Henry Thomas Brewer. From his parents and older siblings, Earl learned the traits that would become the hallmarks of his career and personal life: hard work, honesty and an unflappable sense of humor.

After graduating from Ravena-Coeymans High School and earning an associate's degree from SUNY Cobbleskill, Earl served his country with honor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He earned an Army sharpshooters badge while on active duty and he continued his service in the National Guard.

When he resumed his civilian life, his family, colleagues and friends easily recognized his traditional values, work ethic and integrity. He began his career in banking with The National Commercial Bank and Trust Company while lending his spare time to Riverview Missionary Baptist Church, as a member of the men's choir and the board of trustees. His career shifted to the public sector in 1970, working for the U.S. Treasury Department for 25 years as a bank and credit examiner. He eventually returned to commercial banking as a loan officer and as an assistant vice president with Key Bank and Fleet Bank in Albany, N.Y., before settling on Martha's Vineyard to work at Edgartown National Bank.

Earl's sparkling green eyes, kind heart and sense of humor won him the love and devotion of his wife, Patrice A. (Lanoue) Brewer, and children, Earl Davis Brewer Jr. and Simone Renée Brewer. Earl loved his family, friends and the simple pleasures of life. In 1978 he and his family visited Martha's Vineyard and returned each summer for more than 20 years before finally moving there together in 2001. Throughout his life, his many friends loved his folksy wit and easygoing nature.

In addition to his wife, son and daughter, Earl's passing will be mourned by his sisters and brothers, Willie Deyo, Lucinda Comithier, Inez Stevens (Mitchell), Alfonzo (Carmen), Eleanor Blanton, Pearl Boxley (James), Clifford, Lawrence (Theresa), and Sheila Hughes (Robert). His brother John (Estelle) as well as brothers in law Ben Deyo and Leonard Comithier Sr. predeceased him. Earl was also beloved by many cousins, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Friday, Feb. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Zwack & Sons Funeral Home in Albany, N.Y. A funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Martha's Vineyard Hospice, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.