BORN

1925

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Edward Brylawski Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 5, 2017.

BRYLAWSKI, Edward Fulton (Bud)

At 1:35 in the morning on Saturday, August 5th in Palm Beach Gardens at the age of 92 Bud Brylawski completed his long, fun-filled and illustrious adventure in this life. We will miss his winning smile, colorful stories, interest in others and delight in each and every day. Bud was born July 29th 1925 in Washington D.C. to Fulton Brylawski and Celeste Weil, and had an older sister Helen all of whom predeceased him. A native of Washington D.C. for over 50 years and Palm Beach County for the last 40 years, Bud was an internationally recognized copyright attorney noted for his work in the motion picture industry, a real estate investor-developer and an accomplished golfer. He graduated from St. Albans School in Washington D.C. and received a BS in Engineering from MIT, MBA from Harvard, and JD from Yale. He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years Barbara Dana Brylawski; his three children with Laura Brylawski-Miller: Debra Brylawski McMahon, Brandon Brylawski, and Brett Brylawski Wernick; his sons-in-law: Neil McMahon, Steve Wernick and Frank Danna, daughter-in-law Courtney Danna; grandchildren Alexa McMahon Poteet, Morgan McMahon, Seth Wernick, Kara Wernick, Ari Wernick, Ilaria Wernick, Francesca Danna and Derek Lee; and great grandsons Calvin, Carter, Crew, and Camble. An Irish Wake and viewing will be held in Jupiter Florida at Aycock-Riverside,1112 Military Trail on Tuesday August 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM The family will receive visitors at home following the wake. Memorial services will also be held in Washington, D.C on September 10th. All friends are welcome to come and help us celebrate Bud's illustrious and adventurous life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a story about or told by Bud for a memory book.. For online condolences please visit dignitymemorial.com

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December 28, 2017

Barbara Brylawski

I lost my darling Husband as the result of a long running battle with cancer. He was happy throughout everything and maintained his wonderful sense of humor and dazzling smile. He never had a bad day in his life.

Anytime something bad was happening in a movie he would leave the theater. During our life together, there were many movies we never saw the end of. That is one of the many things I loved about him. He only saw good.

He left an imprint on everyone in his life and now he is continuing his journey. His entire family feels blessed to have been a part of his world.

Thank you for your warm thoughts and prayers during this time.

December 20, 2017

Ilaria Wernick

Probably one of my favorite aspects of spring break was coming down to Florida to see you and Grandma Barbara. I enjoyed greeting you when we arrived at your home and the wonderful meals you had waiting for us. I loved going to the beach together when the weather was descent and crashing through the waves as they roll into shore. I always had a great time with you.

December 20, 2017

Morgan McMahon

I enjoyed our adventures over the years from tubing behind the boat to swimming in the lake in Vermont, golf lessons on the driving range, and hearing all your great stories. It was an adventure, a pleasure, and an honor to have you for a grandfather.

December 20, 2017

Alexa & Nathaniel Poteet

Your presence at our wedding was a joy! We remember you cutting a rug and smiling up a storm on the dance floor. We feel blessed that you came so far to be with us. Years ago we fell in love in Tulum, and it was very special to share a place that is ours with you and our family.

Before Nathaniel got a chance to meet you, my favorite memories are of spending time together at Rockywold. Your taking us fishing, picnics on Loon Island and stories about keeping Walter in the bathtub are some of my favorites. Of course, celebrating your birthday there in the summers was always an occasion to look forward to.

The farm is a rich well of memories for me, and I think of it often. The jousting horses, slot machines, family reunions and thanksgivings there together will stay with me forever. In particular, all the family pictures we had by the butler's pantry and the old telephone remind me of you. Visiting you and dad at your office on East Capitol Street in DC was a singular treat growing up. I relished typing on the typewriter (!) you had and doing work. The old service elevator and checkboard floor in the kitchen struck me as exceedingly grown up and glamorous. On a visit to you there, I made a newsletter for renters in our Cape May beach apartments. Dad copied it on a Xerox machine for distribution (must have narrowly missed typewriting multiple copies by a few years). My first foray into journalism!

We were very fortunate to have you in our lives,

December 20, 2017

Brandon Brylawski

Hidden Valley
I remember
One wintertime
Dad packing us all up
For a ski vacation.
But actually
Most of it remains a blur.
What I remember best is
Papa
Skiing backwards.
Backwards!
Movie camera in hand
Capturing our semi-controlled descents,
Our knock-kneed snowplow turns,
Made with little grace
But great enthusiasm.
These trips
We got to experienced twice:
Once when it happened,
Once when the film was developed.
I scarcely recall
The actual events
Seen through my own eyes;
But the memory of those same trips
Seen through my father's eyes
And the tiny lens of that little Super 8 box
Is with me still.
It never occurred to me
Back then
That he had come
Not to ski
But to witness.

December 19, 2017

Steven Wernick

What immediately comes to mind when I think about Dad was that he was always happy and smiling. There was never a time that I can remember that he was cross or angry; not that there may have been times that he was disappointed or upset. He always looked for the good in people and situations and didn't dwell on the negative. Whenever a difficult situation presented itself, he would reach out to see what he could do to clarify or remedy it. He didn't like to leave a situation unresolved. I always found Dad to be approachable and was always open to candid conversations with me.

Becoming part of the Brylawski family was a little bit intimidating at first but I knew that all was good when Dad offered his toast at Brett's and my wedding. He welcomed my family, wished Brett and me a lifetime of happiness and made sure we knew how to spell Brylawski when he clearly spelled it out for us B..R..Y..L..A..W..S..K..I

December 19, 2017

Derek Lee

My fondest memories of Grandpa Bud repeated themselves in the early fall each year in Quechee, Vermont. Each fall, as the leaves had already changed up north but not quite in my home of Annapolis, I would travel either alone or with my father, stepmother, and sister to visit Grandpa Bud and Grandma in their Quechee home for an extended weekend. When I traveled alone, Grandpa Bud would pick me up from the Manchester-Boston regional airport with a smile stretching from ear to ear. We would embark on an hour and a half journey back to Quechee. Conversations ranged to every corner of the earth with Grandpa but on this ride, it was always about sports. He was always adamant about hearing my recent results in football and as I told him stories from my locker room and playing time, it triggered a story very similar to his junior high and high school sports experience which he would always share. Each time I told a story he would come back with one even more vivid than mine that just so happened to take place seventy years prior.

Once we arrived to the Brylawski house in Quechee, an incredible Grandma-made meal always waited for us. We would spend our weekend playing a round of golf every day followed by a series of ping pong matches. Everyone knows Grandpa Bud loved to hear his own voice and tell his incredible stories; however, once we entered through the doors of the teahouse down the driveway, Grandpa Bud suddenly turned into a competitive menace. On the top floor of the teahouse was barren except for a ping pong table. Once we climbed those stairs, we would go into battles for time on end without saying a word. He wanted to win and I wanted to win. Sometimes we would play five, six matches in a row without any interruption. One time, Grandma had to walk down the driveway and pull us away from our intense clash in the teahouse to eat the dinner she had prepared for an hour ago. While conversation was minimal, we both were having a great time and we both knew it. Some rallies seemed to last forever and often ended with Grandpa stinging a corner on my side of the table with a zinger of a shot. We would get into ridiculous rallies where Grandpa would consequently start sprinting across the floor with that signature smile trying to get to one of my drop shots that I laid on him, an 85-year-old grandfather He didn't hold back on me so I didn't hold back on him. At the end of the rally we would just stop and laugh for a minute at how ridiculously competitive we had let this become.

Once we finally sat down for our late dinner, Grandpa would explain to Grandma how we split our matches and if it weren't for his illegal slam serves he wouldn't have won a match. This was the first time I'd heard of this. We would then end the night with a classic James Bond movie or highlights from that day's PGA tournament. We would both end up snoring on the couch as the TV blasted on full volume for some time until Grandma woke us up and sent us to bed.

Those long weekends in Quechee were everything that a boy could want with his Grandparents. I loved my one on one time with Granpda and I knew he did too as it took him back to his boyhood. I wasn't Grandpa Bud's biological grandson but he never let that interfere with his everlasting love and affection as if I were one of his own. I will remember Grandpa Bud by those rounds of golf and hours of ping pong on my special visits to Quechee.

December 19, 2017

Debra McMahon

It is hard to believe Dad is not here. He truly loved to be the center of attention as most of us do; the difference with Dad is that he was good at it. He often reminded us he was a Leo and he absolutely embodied the zodiac characteristics of the Zodiac lion, which is a sun sign, with his strength, brilliance, and magnetic personality. Dad has always seemed a bit larger than life. He was physically large-tall and handsome - his hands were enormous, but more than that it was his personality that filled a room. Rarely at a loss for words or an entertaining story; Dad radiated energy. He was an accomplished man who never lost his boyish sense of curiosity or wonder in the world and he pursued life with relentless vigor, good humor, and a roguish grin that drew others to him.

It is an impossible task to try and distill over 90 years of living with Dad into a few minutes of words. Thinking of him elicits a well spring of entertaining stories from an endless library of experiences. Let's be clear the man and had the interest and energy to shoehorn three lifetimes worth of living into one. So I will simply share my observations about Dad to illuminate an outline of the many-faceted man he was and leave it to each of you to color in the details using your personal memories.

Dad was an everyman who had the ability to fit in seamlessly at the Symphony Ball, the Cosmos Club or the Spaghetti house in Brunswick Maryland. He had a name fit for a statesman - Edward Fulton Brylawski - but throughout his life was known to most as Buddy. He was a world recognized copyright attorney who worked for many famous people, but had little sensitivity to social status and easily attracted friends from all walks and stations of life. He traveled the world, but was at home driving a tractor. He appreciated fine dining, but loved ham hocks and sauerkraut at the Eastern Market or dessert at Sherrills, where the coconut macaroons were so good you excused flies in the food. He was a Jew by birth and culture who became by choice an Episcopalian. He rarely went to church or synagogue, but always treated others with love and respect.

Dad was born 92 years ago to a different Washington D.C. from the one we know now. One where as a boy Scout you could go camping in Rock Creek Park, where children would get live ducks or chicks at Easter time and go sledding in the streets and, in the days before TV adults might host a séance in their home. It was a time when it was high style to vacation in Atlantic City and we went downtown to F Street to shop at Stores like Garfinkels, Woodies, or Raleighs.

For a man who became unusually accomplished, Dad was an undistinguished student as a child leading one public school administrator to warn his parents that "Edward will never be more than an average student". Never one to be told her child was anything but exceptional; his mother withdrew him from Woodrow Wilson on the spot and secured him admission to St. Albans where it became clear that the problem with "Edward" was that he was bored. He was brilliant and most likely ADHD (something no one had a name for then). Once challenged, Dad excelled, earning a trifecta of degrees in engineering, business and law from MIT, Harvard and Yale. He fully utilized and valued every bit of that education and his gratitude is reflected in the many generous gifts he made to the schools that propelled his success as well as gifts to support the education of others including a local church Scholarship he founded in memory of Bunyan Butler, a gentle kind man who had been a custodian at his law office.

After a brief career as an engineer for GE, Dad was enticed or more accurately strong armed into joining his father in a successful niche law practice which specialized in copyright Work primarily related to motion picture titles. Among many, he worked with Walt Disney (the man as well as the Company) and Columbia Pictures. Dad became the leading copyright attorney in the country, and a "Brylawski opinion" became the recognized industry standard in copyright law. His wide-ranging clients included people like Tom Clancy and Dionne Fosse, but Dad was never a name dropper and a bit modest about his legal career titling his memoirs of legal practice "A Gullibles Travels". This was not to say he was modest in his behavior as a lawyer. As he once told us, "When someone is looking for a legal opinion I don't have to do the research, just tell them they're wrong". We often joked that the family motto should be sometimes in error but never in doubt.

Most people would be content to succeed in a single career, but Dad was too bright and hyperactive for that. He pursued his interest in law, real estate, and golf, and used his considerable talent to excel at all of them simultaneously. In addition to growing his legal practice, Dad used his engineering and business skills to develop houses on Capitol Hill and elsewhere around Washington applying some simple rules for success: like always sell your real estate too cheaply (meaning make the sale and don't hold out for top dollar, sell it) or the best way to negotiate for something is not to want it. Car dealers never stood a chance with Dad. He would just walk out if they did not like his number and wait for them to call him a day or two later to make the deal.

And then there was golf... it is hard to think of Dad without thinking of golf. While he never went pro (or to my knowledge considered it) he was an unusually accomplished and competitive golfer winning multiple club championships at Woodmont and Congressional where he was famous for drives well in excess of 300 yards. He continued to even great heights as a golfer when he became a senior because he grew more patient and capable in his putting so what he lost in his long game he more than made up in his short one. He won numerous senior tournaments in both Washington and Florida well into his 80s. Inspiring envy and consternation in 60 year old seniors who vainly hoped they might have an age advantage over a guy 20 years older, but were secretly inspired by him. He scored a hole in one in the Lyford Cay, Nassau, an event witnessed and attested to in writing by none other than Sir Sean Connery.

Being a lawyer and a creative guy, Dad was never at a loss for words, if he was asked about something he did not know, he just made up an answer or diverted the conversation with an entertaining but only tangentially related story - I did say he loved to be the center of attention. His knowledge, creative explanations, and endless repertoire of stories made him excel at being the center of attention. As kids, he would entertain us with stupid songs from the navy including somewhat off key renditions of classics like "I spent last night with Minnie the Mermaid", vaudeville jokes and limericks, a recitation of the Cockney alphabet, the story about his father winning a ride on the wing of a biplane or references to the chain of nicolodeons his family owned at the Warner theater. The best part was the way he enjoyed telling the stories. He would go into great detail - some of it probably creative embellishment - laugh at
the funny parts and grin at you to be sure you thought they were funny too. He had a transparent childlike spirit and love of the world that was reflected in his gleeful grin. It was almost impossible to take a bad picture of him - he was always ready for the camera with that classic Buddy B Smile.

Dad cared a lot about family and heritage. In addition to an oral tradition of Colorful family stories he was the force behind numerous far-flung family reunions before the existence of Ancestry.com. The big advantage of having a name like Brylawski is that distant cousins are pretty easy to find. Using a phone book, Dad would hunt down Brylawskis we had never met from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Southern MD to come for a day of country music and barbecue at the farm and fill in the family tree. From one we learned Brylawski is a name of some pedigree. He brought a framed bio profile of Count Brylawski - a polish nobleman, though our name actually derives from the Polish word Brylaw which means a clod of earth. So we are by name clodhoppers or farmers. Maybe that is where the country in Dad came from.

Dad was a city boy that loved farms. Not just because the country was beautiful, he loved the Country with the zeal of a ten year old boy. He loved the snakes, the ticks, the bushes that needed to be bush hogged, the groundhogs that needed to be exterminated, the fish that needed to be caught and the muddy ponds that begged to be swum in. Dad fell in love with and purchased farms from Fredericksburg to Middleburg to Harpers Ferry where he could be a weekend farmer. He adopted a country accent referring to women as Miz, drove his tractor over the fields and drove his truck to the dump. Dad was a brilliant and accomplished but there was not an ounce of pretension in him.

Dad enjoyed being successful but success never spoiled Dad. He never forgot the value a nickel and made sure he accounted for every penny owed him. For years he would wear shoes that hurt his feet or pants that were too short because they were on sale at Syms and he relished being an accomplished do it yourselfer who would fix windows, paint doors, spray fruit trees, or haul trash.

Despite his penny watching, Dad was an impulse buyer with eclectic tastes. His acquisitions included auction curiosities like a ceramic women with lightbulbs coming out of her head, a house in Mallorca bought off an ad in the Wall Street Journal, a Benelli motorcycle which he rode around DC but never registered, a Greek amphora bought en route to the airport in London, a leopard skin rug, and a giant medieval chess set. He filled the farm house in Knoxville with whatever appealed to him at auction: slot machines, a Wurlitzer bubbling jukebox, a full sized horse surrey that sat in the front hall with two monkeys in French provincial clothes in the drivers set. He saw beauty in simple things, but also appreciated fine art and dedicated a room at the Philips gallery in Washington DC to his parents.

Dad was always restless to find something to do or somewhere to explore. His endless energy and curiosity made Dad an avid world traveler, but he never learned a foreign language. His geniality and expressiveness went a long way in communicating across language barriers. He could successfully navigate wandering alleys in foreign cities without a map and do a successful pantomime for turpentine, but was also famous for malapropisms like the time he meant to tell the taxi driver in Paris he was with two others (Je suis avec deux autres) and instead told the manJ'aime avec deux autres which is to say I love with two others or the time he first met my Italian grandfather who lived on lake Como and meant to ask if he liked to go fishing in the lake (pescandonel lago) but instead asked if he liked pishando nel lago which means he asked the man who would become father in law if he enjoyed pissing in the lake.

Dad's first World tour had led him to a fateful swim in Lake Como where he met my mother Laura Carizzoni on a float and in the space of a few days enticed her to look him up in Washington when she came to the US a few months later to visit another young man. He must have been his charming self because she ditched the New York boy and ended up spending most of her time with Dad in D.C. who decided to propose marriage to her after knowing her no more than a few weeks - I did mention he was impulsive -. Needless to say his parents were shocked, but in the way most things went for Dad it all worked out very well. They had three children myself, my brother and sister and were married almost 25 years.

Dad was not an emotionally expressive father when we were growing up and was, for the most part, focused on other parts of his life like work and golf. But when he was available, he was a lot of fun because he had a lot of kid in him. He would suddenly decide to go to the World's Fair, or Disneyland, or New York, or California and take one or two of us kids with him where for a few days we would get his undivided attention and create indelible memories.

As Dad got older he transitioned from focusing on his career to focusing on friends and family. He became more in touch with his emotional side and expressive with his feelings embracing his sons in law Neil, Steve, and Frank as his own children. He did not miss an occasion to celebrate family. He took all of us to Bermuda to celebrate his 80" birthday and at the age 88 went to Tulum Mexico to celebrate our daughter Alexa's wedding where he danced up a storm with her 20 something girlfriends.

His love for Barbara further helped him to fully become the loving and expressive person he was later in life. The love was always there inside him, he just didn't know how to say or show it. By the time Dad met Barbara he had accomplished so much, but often at the expense of lingering and enjoying the moment before he was on to the next thing. In his life with Barbara, Dad finally slowed down to truly smell the roses and focus on relationships and simple pleasures in life from planting orchids in the garden, to driving a boat to dinner, to enjoying spending time with the family without having to "do" anything. Marrying Barbara was not something Dad decided to do on impulse or because he wanted to be married - he wasn't intending to marry again. He married her because he loved her and because life was richer and more fun when they were together. Dad brought his effervescent attitude toward life and adventure and Barbara brought a grounding love that enabled him to express his emotions in new and unexpected ways. Before Barbara Dad often would tend to emotionally react the way he felt people expected him to, with Barbara, he was able to just be himself and allow us to more clearly see him as the complete and wonderful man he is.

I know many of you are sad today, but Dad would not understand why you should be. He had an uncanny ability to ignore or shrug off the negative in life and find something more fun to think about. He never dwelled on mistakes, mourned missed opportunities, or perceived malice in others. He made the most of every moment, saw everyone as his friend, and truly knew how to have fun. I am sure he is delighted to see all of you today and I can see him flashing all of us that mischievous grin as he looks forward to his next great adventure.

December 10, 2017

Amin Grullon

No matter the situation, he always turned it into something positive. That had an enormous influence in my life and I see things differently now because of it. Mr. Brylawski always had a great sense of humor. He loved food and one day I pointed out his belly and reminded him that we needed to exercise. He smiled and kept eating. The next day, I was standing next to him and he started rubbing my belly with a smile on his face saying that I needed to work on that. He always said the right things at the right times. My family and I will always miss you.

Posted by Amin Grullon

December 10, 2017

Frank Danna

Bud was a very special individual. He was individual to the very sense of the word in that he was not influenced by others no matter how popular the tradition / exercise. He always had time for my family and myself. He made me feel as if I were one of his own. I learned a lot from Bud. I would say he was one of the more influential individuals in my life. He was a very special person to me and I will always have very fond memories of him and our time together.

December 10, 2017

Neil McMahon

My adventure with Dad began 35 years ago when I married into the Brylawski family.

As many of you know when you marry into a family you look forward to your life together with your new spouse and hope to share some common interests with other members of the family.

Well no hope of common interests could have prepared me for life with him. He lived life with such enthusiasm, energy and charm; you couldn't help but get swept up into his vortex.

Dad was not naturally an effusive person, but I'll never forget the day after our wedding when he drove Debra and me to the airport to catch a flight for our honeymoon. We were standing at the gate saying our goodbyes; He kissed Debra goodbye and without hesitation bypassed my outstretched hand, gave me a hug, kiss and said call me Dad.

Having lost my father to a heart attack at the age of 12, it had been over 15 years since I had anyone in my life to Call Dad. But very early in our relationship Dad had decided that my having lost my father too early in life was an injustice he could do something about. So in between practicing law, playing golf and tennis, travelling internationally, investing in real estate and other personal commitments, he decided that he was going to find time to work me into his life. Fortunately I was already working in commercial RE when he asked me to join him to help manage his burgeoning RE portfolio. For me, it was an easy decision and the transition was seamless. But little did I know, until we began working together day to day, what it was truly like getting swept up into the vortex that was his life. Whether it was his hearing about his evening with John Cleese during a visit to London, sinking a hole in one while golfing with Sean Connery in Bermuda, or representing Jack Lemmon and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood. Every day was different and life with Dad was truly an adventure.

From my vantage point, Dad was a success in many arenas of life and for a variety of reasons: He had a sense of urgency in everything he did. He had a keen business sense. His charm was palpable and his generosity and interest in others, was genuine.

Personally, I had the good fortune of working with him in real estate. In addition to his professional commitments, Dad was constantly reviewing RE investments and with his sense of urgency, increasingly found transactions that simply had to close on the eve of his departure for a trip abroad.

One acquisition in particular comes to mind where Dad had closed on the purchase of a building the day before leaving on a trip to Europe. Upon his return from his trip abroad, we were out looking at property and visited his most recent purchase. The broker who had worked with him on this sizeable transaction was with us and proudly announced: well Bud, there's your building. After a momentary pause, Dad responded, I don't own that building. Having helped with some due diligence on this acquisition, I responded Dad; I think you do. This momentary confusion on his part; was truly a testimony to the pace at which he lived life. It was also a lesson, to never let details like this get in the way of making a good deal. The following Saturday, he called me from his car asking for driving directions to this bldg.

Another real estate related story that comes to mind goes back years before my time when Dad had partnered with a local builder named Elmer Kalvins who at the time was the largest remodeling contractor in Washington, DC. They had renovated and sold hundreds of apartments together.

On our way to a look at another property we drove past a building he and Elmer had worked on, Dad immediately pulled the car over and said I want to show you something. Jumping out of the car, he goes up to the penthouse floor where we walk to the end of the hall, Dad knocks on the door of the corner apartment and a woman inside answers. He goes on to introduce us both and says I'd like to show my son in law your apartment. He then proceeds to turn on his charm complementing her on her apartment and goes into detail to describe to her the apartment; the claw foot tub in the bathroom, the views from the balcony and the conical spire over the kitchen table. Standing in the hall, there was silence on the other side of the door for several minutes. Finally, I looked at him and said Dad, this is all very nice but I think she may be calling the police. This is truly an example of his charm, spontaneity and joie de vivre which stays with me to this day!

However, it wasn't all about golf, law and real estate with Dad. Dad was a busy man, with a good heart. On many Thanksgiving mornings, instead of relaxing at the farm, I remember spending the morning with him going door to door donating turkeys to less fortunate community members. I Could go on... Dad was a raconteur, and liked nothing better than a good story. In fact, he used to start the punch line of many of his stories with the phrase: "You see". Well "You see", there was a bit of Ben Franklin in Dad, both from the maxim a penny saved is a penny earned, to the maxim, never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today. Although Ben Franklin is attributed for having originated these maxims, a footnote in Poor Richards Almanac should be registered at the copyright office, because Dad actually lived them.

In closing, we're all familiar with the proverb when one door closes another one opens. Well in my case it took over 15 years for that second door to open. But it did in 1982, when I was blessed to have Dad as my Father-in law, friend and later business partner.

For me; losing him has been particularly difficult in that it's like losing a father for a second time.

Throughout our 35 years together, both through good times and bad, he treated me like a son, and for that kindness, I will be forever grateful.

December 10, 2017

Marianna Taylor

It was my first Christmas in Washington (1947). When I answered a knock on the door I saw Bud. He ran his fingers down his tie happily proclaiming it to be a Christmas gift. Pat had told me about the varied cultural background of his St. Albans foursome for me to feel it to be specially heartwarming that Bud was there to share Christmas with us for a little while. For the next seventy years I knew him as a man who shared in many ways but mostly it seems, in having good times with family and friends.

December 10, 2017

Ed & Eva

Eva and I send our sorrow-filled reply for your recently received beautiful heartfelt note of remembrance of Bud' passing And thank you especially for the note, "Some People", a loving way to remember Bud.

Perhaps it is meaningful if I try to illustrate the Brylawski family connection between Fulton, of the Washington Brylawski's, and me (Edward Brylawski, of the Philadelphia Brylawski's.

I think the Brylawski's arrived at Norfolk, VA around 1842 and settled thereafter in Washington and Philadelphia. Fulton's father (also Fulton) was my grandfather's generation, I think. My grandfather was Edward Brylawski born in 1867. My father was Edward Lewis Brylawski of Philadelphia born in 1906) My birthday is 5 October 1942, Eva's is 5 August 1942.

I am very sorry we missed Fulton's wake. We would have wanted to be there but were celebrating Eva's 75th birthday in Norway with her family.

Again, thank you Barbara, for writing to us. With warm remembrance of the times we have visited you and Bud.

December 8, 2017

Howard Lester

Patsy and I were distressed by Bud's passing. It makes no sense stating the obvious. More importantly, my view is to think of all the good and interesting times we had together.

December 8, 2017

Sallie & Earle Elliot

I can't tell you how sorry we were to hear the sad news that Bud had passed away. We all realized that he was fighting and uphill battle, but with his great uplifting & optimistic spirit, we were hopeful that he would over come all odds...but that was not to be.

Bud was so special to both of us, and his passing has triggered so many memories that we will always treasure: fun parties, hayrides, and "our nights" at the farm; dinners together with you both, brunches and July 4th fireworks parties at the Watergate; and those fabulous St. Albans Reunions that Bud was such an integral part of. We shall always treasure the wonderful picture we have of the St, Albans' 50th Reunion gang gathered at the farm to celebrate the memorable occasion! Tennis, canoeing, croquet, dining on delicious pig roast. What a host! We could go on and on, but Bud was such a fun part of our lives that we will never forget him.

He was such a fine and accomplished man, and as Earle always said: "Such a class act!"

Barbara, we know you will miss him so much, but what a fine and accomplished life he had...and with you by his side, he was truly blessed.

We hope you take care of yourself, and please keep in touch as you are so much in our thoughts.

Our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Brylawski family.

December 8, 2017

Steven G. Fischer

It was with great sadness that I received the news of Bud's passing. He was not only a close business associate and mentor but a truly fine friend whose camaraderie was very important to me. I recall with great fondness the time that you and he spent with Billie and me on various trips to play golf and to enjoy each other's company.

Bud taught me a great deal about the business world and how to navigate through it. He made me not only a more effective entrepreneur but a better person as well and I will really miss his friendship and wisdom.

Billie and I regret that our move to California and yours to Vermont prevented us from spending more time together as those days were so much fun and memorable.

Billie and I send our most sincere condolences to you and all of the Brylawski family and pray that with the passage pf time, your grief over such a loss will be assuaged by the memory of all the wonderful times you shared with him.

December 8, 2017

Ginia Allison

When I received the notice of Bud's death on the card which featured his incredibly luminous smile, I tried to reach you by telephone but with no success.

I remember him as you described him - always positive and looking for the best in people - a quality that seems in short supply these days.

I loved Bud's cordial manner - he was the ultimate gentleman - but what I admire specially was his love for you Barbara.

I still remember the story he told of one of your first "dates" when you were snowbound together and you created a memorable corn chowder!!

Hunt and I so enjoyed seeing you when you were in Quechee - lovely brunches at your home, Opera North parties, and family gatherings at the Quechee Club.

As a widow of just three years, I knew that each day evokes memories and that what sustains one is that myriad and happy memories - and so I wish you quantities of those wonderful memories!

With great sympathy and much love

December 8, 2017

Robert H. Shorb

I read today in the Washington Post's obituary column of Bud's death. Although he was about six years older, we both graduated from St. Albans School - I was class of 1949. Although we were never close friends, he made me feel as if we were; whoever wrote of "Bud's winning smile, colorful stories, interest in others and delight in each and every day" hit the nail on the head. He was certainly warm and delightful to me despite being considerably my senior in those early years.

When I was in my late twenties or early thirties, I played 18 holes with my older cousin at the Samoset Golf Course near Camden Maine as a twosome. We were teeing off on a par five hole which was basically shaped like a giant "U". The idea for everybody (or almost everybody) was to drive inland toward the hotel then hit about 90 degrees to the left, leaving your third shot back away from the hotel into a peninsula back in the ocean with the green at its tip. On the tee, I asked my cousin's caddy, because the distance straight between the tee and the green was only 300-320 yards, had anyone ever tried to drive directly from the tee to the green for a possible eagle or even net eagle! He looked at me and said, "yes, one guy from Washington named something like Brylawski"!

What a wonderful guy. The world was lucky to have him for 92 years.

December 7, 2017

Connie & John Foley

Ode to Bud

Bud and Barbara hosted John and Connie Foley for golf and dinner, at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, some time ago.

He was so proud of the Club that day and rightly so. For more than once, he was champion there and sometimes, also with his father as well.

As was the case on many golf days for Bud, he played very well, while at the same time, patiently hosting his guests.

Barbara then joined us for dinner, and as the entertaining couple, they were extremely gracious in introducing us to several of their Club associates, all DC friends.

We remember well the warmth and generosity of the time they spent with us and the gleam in Bud's eye reflecting the pride he took in his Club.

December 1, 2017

John Safer

Buddy Brylawski and I were not childhood friends. We didn't meet until we were young married men. As a result, our relationship only lasted for 65 years. When we met, Buddy told me that his mother felt that Buddy was a suitable nickname for a teenager, but that, as an adult, he should be known as Edward. He said he agreed and asked his friends to switch to Edward. But all of those friends had known him as Buddy for years and weren't about to change. So the Edward vanished, and he remained Buddy.

Buddy and I met, as illustrated in the picture reproduced in the program. I was on the first tee at Woodmont Club about to tee off with my friend, Bill Starr, when two men came running up to the tee. They were Buddy and his father, Fulton. It seemed that a tournament was in progress, and it was vital that Buddy and his father should tee off immediately so that Buddy could enter the Long Drive competition. They asked if they could cut in front of us. I told them I had no objections, but since we constituted a foursome, why didn't we play together. They agreed and that's how Buddy and I met. Incidentally, I'm happy to report that Buddy did enter and win the Long Drive competition.

In a short time, I met Buddy's wife, Laura. Through them I met three other couples, the Masons, Meyers and Martins. The five couples, engaged in a more or less weekly high stakes poker game. It was viciously contested and sometimes as much as five dollars would change hands. Time has passed and many of the poker players are no longer with us. Buddy was fortunate to find Barbara, the wonderful wife with whom he had many very happy years.

My friendship with Buddy grew, and we became partners in business ventures and golf. We built new houses, restored old ones, rebuilt a convent, and played a great deal of golf. I was a good golfer, but Buddy was superb, one of the best in this part of the country, and beyond question the longest hitter. Over the years, we played in many local tournaments. We also played in Nassau, Bermuda, Florida, and the Carolinas. I'm pleased to say that we won more than our share, mostly due to Buddy's skill. He struck a ball more perfectly than any amateur I've ever seen. Sam Snead and Ben Hogan were the only golfers of that era who could hit balls with Buddy's level of skill.

Our friendship, of course, didn't stop with golf or business. Buddy was exceptionally well read and had a wide range of knowledge. We always enjoyed throwing quotes back and forth . . . from Newman Levy to Shakespeare.

But the most important thing I can say about Buddy, over and above, golf, business and literature, is that he was my friend.

December 1, 2017

Brett Wernick

There are so many memories I have of Dad that I could tell a lifetime of stories and still feel as though I missed something. In his 90th birthday book, I tried (on one page) to characterize some of who dad was, some of the pivotal memories and how those two items helped shape who I am today.

Here is a recap of only a few of those notes with a bit more detail.

Most things can be fixed with Glue: Dad literally had 10 or more different types of glue. There were the simple ones, like Elmer's and the more complex Epoxies that had to be carefully mixed in a certain proportion to do their magic. When anything broke, there was always glue and sometimes you had to try more than once (or you had to try a different glue).

Although dad may not have intended this to be life lesson, I would like to think of this as a metaphor for broken things: if they have value, try to glue them. Sometimes you may need to try more than once

Even old peach trees can give you wheelbarrows full of peaches: We had an old peach tree at the farm. The fruit was ugly on the outside. The fruit was small, spotty and often hard. However, the tree was very prolific. So we made pie, we made chutney, we cooked the peaches with sugar. And when they were transformed, no one remembered that they were not beautiful.

I don't waste fruit, just because of one bad spot. Nor, do I judge produce because it is less than attractive. Some of the best chutneys, sauces and pies I have made are with factory seconds. I would like to think that this applies to people as well. My family has taught me a great deal about acceptance and beauty.
Farms are wonderful places for Children: Enough said. Kids need nature

You never know what you might find at an auction and Not everything at an auction is worth buying:

My dad had an appreciation for a deal. He also loved auctions and antiquing. Not for investment purposes, but for the pure joy of something attractive that was obtained at a good price. He did teach us to try not to fall in love with items or show our hand as that made the negotiation less balanced. Dad was a tough negotiator. Also, a lot of stuff is just Junque. Go into it with eye's wide open.

You don't have to speak Spanish to ask for turpentine: My dad did not have any facility with foreign language. However, he was a good communicator. By sheer force of personality (and some creative hand gestures) he was able to convey a significant amount of information.

One of the more famous examples was miming turpentine in Spain. When was the last time you had the word Turpentine in a game of charades? Sometimes, when you don't know the language, you can still get your point across

And finally: There are special places all over the world if you make memories there. This is not about fancy hotels, or jam packed agendas. My favorite memories are when we went somewhere and were part of the landscape. My pivotal memories are of exploration and discovery. About the simple joys of an impromptu picnic, catching a fish, or snorkeling in the sea. Of playing poker for peanuts (literally), saving box turtles, and of unattended fig trees. I will cherish all of the ones I made with Dad and the appreciation he gave me to carry this forward with my own family.

December 1, 2017

Cheryl & Jack Kelly

Many years ago I received a call from Mr. Brylawski. He was interested in looking at a building I had listed for sale. He liked it and told me he would think about it and get back to me. Two hours later, he called me and said he had written up a Contract for me to present to the Seller. I told Bud the Seller was a very tough negotiator and could even be unreasonable sometimes. Bud smiled and said thank you for information. I was thinking, boy that was easy WRONG!

Bud's offer was way under asking price and after weeks of tough negotiating back and forth, we had come to an agreement. I was learning the true art of negotiating from Bud. What I learned from him is that it is okay to negotiate hard, but once you made a deal, he was a man of his word. However, getting to that point omg!!!

A few weeks later, I got a call from Mr. Brylawski inviting me to lunch if I wasn't busy. I remember telling a co-worker I was so happy I had worn my good suit today as I was going to lunch with a wealthy client and I assumed it would be a sophisticated restaurant. When I arrived at Bud's office, he said we could walk instead of drive as it was only a few blocks. On the way, we passed several restaurants I had read about, but had never been to. I was getting excited about my lunch on the hill and I was very hungry. When we got near the place he was taking me to, he started fishing around in his pocket. He pulled out two coupons and handed me one. They were a two for one hamburger deal. He was taking me to Roy Rodgers. I still laugh when I remember that it was so funny.

I called his office and asked his secretary if I could come down to see him as I had a good deal to present to him. I went to see him and it was apparent he was very stressed and he told me he was too busy to see me as he was trying to make money to feed by desire for him to buy real estate. I told him if I didn't explain the deal to him I would be doing him a injustice. I said, have you made more money in law or real estate? He looked up, smiled that beautiful smile, and took his arm and wiped everything off his desk. He said, I'm ready.

Years later, Bud decided to sell Shady Grove Shopping Center and he called me and gave me a price. He had a number in mind and said that is what he wanted. I told him I thought it was worth more, but he was adamant about his number. Within 36 hours, I had five offers. I went to Bud and said, see, I told you it was worth more. He said, the first offer that is non-contingent and firm, I will accept. One of the contract offers had attorneys working all day and night going over all of the leases and paperwork. Within 36 hours, we had a deal and it would settle in a few weeks.

At the settlement table, I introduced Bud to the buyer. Bud reached over to shake his hand and his pants ripped from his zipper all the way around and up to his belt. He was very embarrassed and said he was going home to change clothes. I told him to stay and after closing, I would buy him a new suit. So Bud wore his rain coat the rest of the day. That closing took over 10 hours. One of the secretaries asked me why that man was wearing his raincoat, and I said he was a flasher. After the settlement, we went to a nearby shop and bought a suit that Bud loved.

Approximately twenty years later, we went out to dinner with Bud. He said, look, I am wearing the same suit and vest you bought me. As he was saying that, I was ducking so as not to be hit by flying buttons in case he sneezed.

One time I went to Bud's office and he had purchased a birthday cake for me. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness and stupidly said it was the fourth cake I had today. He said, enjoy it, it is all downhill from here.

One night, I treated Bud and a friend to a dinner celebration. We had an enjoyable meal, and when the bill came, the restaurant wouldn't take my American Express card. I did not have another card on me. It didn't occur to me they wouldn't take it. I was so embarrassed. So Bud looked uneasy, but paid the bill. Next day, he smiled that gorgeous smile when I reimbursed him.

One time Bud told me he was dating two women and he wanted my opinion. He suggested we all have lunch at the Market Inn. At that luncheon, he introduced us to Barbara. Afterward, I told him, I don't even need to meet the other woman, you can't ever do better than this. He smiled.

I remember a nice dinner we had on the water in Annapolis. I believe it was the Danna family, Bud and Barbara and the Kelly's. We were all seated and we didn't know where Bud was. Barbara said he didn't like the fee the valet was charging and he was looking for a parking place on the street nearby. About 15 minutes Bud showed up, smiling as he had found a place. It was so Bud. He was kind and generous, but he did not waste a dime. He always wanted a good deal.

Over the years, we had so many heated discussions about real estate. He would smile big, and I knew I was in trouble. In my whole life, I have never seen a smile like his. It was breathtaking. I would look at him and end up agreeing with everything he said.

December 1, 2017

Ira Sachs

Dearest Barbara,

I received today the beautiful program from the ceremony you had for Bud and it made me both very sad -for your loss and for Bud's passing - but also I smiled reading and thinking of what kind of man he was and how fully and joyfully he lived his life. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know him and you, through my grandmother. She loved you both very much and I know she would have shared with me the sympathy and empathy. I feel for your loss. You and Bud had a beautiful life together and he will always be with you in your thoughts and heart. I send much love and strength in these times of loss and remembrance.

September 10, 2017

Donetta George

To Barbara and your entire family,
I am so sorry about your loss and that I cannot be at the service today. May all the entertaining stories about Bud's life and your many happy years together give you solace during this sad time.
Thinking of you, Donetta

September 5, 2017

Betty Hedges

We lived near Bud's house in Frederick County. He gave a great party where the basement of his historic home was converted to a casino and we all played roulette, cards, etc. It was alot of fun.

August 29, 2017

I had the honor of working with Bud first as his associate in Brylawski & Cleary and then later as his partner in Brylawski, Cleary & Komen. Bud taught me how to be a lawyer and gave me my start to becoming a copyright specialist. Although we lost touch after his retirement and move to Florida, Bud was never far from my thoughts. He was a truly great person.

Ed Komen, (Maryland and DC)

Posted by

August 11, 2017

cornell gilliam

I had the pleasure of being Mr. Brylawski mailman for over 20 years on East
Capitol from 1968 - 80's..I found him to very pleasant and easy to chat with.Debbie at front desk and Henry on second floor.This Stop was always a joy.We had brief exchanges on various things.He was always pleased to hear from the west coast...

August 7, 2017

Sherwin and Peggy Markman

Peggy and I will forever treasure our friendship with Bud, a good and giving man. The times we spent with him and Barbara in Florida were very special. We look at that marvelous book of photos from our golfing trip to Ireland and we smile in remembrance of a joyous time. Sherwin has known Bud since they were Yale classmates in 1949 and we both have always loved and admired him

August 7, 2017

Nancy & Derek Lee

Posted by Nancy & Derek Lee

August 7, 2017

B T.

As time passes may the family and friends continue to rely on God to give you the strength needed to cope with your loss. Knowing that God cares for us is a great source of comfort. (1Peter5:7)

August 6, 2017

jay hyman

I talked about Bud as an attorney to another IP attorney within the last week and thinking about him yesterday, small world. He was a pleasure as an atty, real estate investor and host in Brunswick. Always fun to be with. Jay Hyman

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