March 14 2019: BRASIER, Philip D.

PHILIP DONALD BRASIER “PHIL”

Philip Donald Brasier “Phil”, of Silver Spring, Maryland, born on December 23, 1960 in Washington, DC, to the late Marie Smith and William Brasier, passed away at age 58 on March 11, 2019 in Washington, DC.  Phil is survived by his loving husband and partner of over 20 years, John Dabrowski.   He also now joins his deceased loving partner and friend John Blankenship.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Brasier; and sister, Paulette Boniface. Phil is also survived by his brother, James Brooke; and sisters, Kathy Beavers and Veronica Johnston, and his extended family and also by loving members of the Dabrowski family, including sisters Eleanor, Mary, Ann, brother Edward and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews who loved him as one of their own, as well as special friends Scott and Phyllis Badesch and many others.

Phil grew up in Colmar Manor, Maryland and went to High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland.  His love of cars and things mechanical took hold early as he worked as a teenager at a local gasoline and auto repair station.  Later, he worked for many years at the United States Pharmacopeia in Rockville, Maryland, working his way up from an administrative assistant to the Director of Distribution.   Phil also was a certified Auto Parts Manager for Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.  He had an unsurpassed love for animals and worked for a time at Wheaton Animal Hospital in Kensington, Maryland.

Phil was a dedicated caregiver, first to his partner John Blankenship during a long illness prior to John’s death and later for many years as a full-time caretaker of his mother Marie prior to her death.   Although he suffered from numerous physical injuries and ailments himself, he was never without a smile and a friendly “how are you” in public.  His gregarious nature made him want to brighten the day of those he came in contact with whether it was a VIP at a gala event or a cashier at Giant, CVS or the hardware store.  Too numerous to count are the times that he helped neighbors with automobile problems or washing cars.  In later years he enjoyed taking care of his home, lawn and garden in Fairland, Maryland where he quickly became a neighborhood favorite.  He felt blessed to be able to join his husband John at various Autism Society events throughout the country and to see sights that he never thought he would.  Although his energy diminished in the last few years he nevertheless made sure his automobiles were always clean and shiny and his house was spic and span.  All who knew him will never forget his smile.  Phil, we miss you but will hold you forever in our hearts.

 In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Phil’s name to the Autism Society of America in Bethesda Md. Friends and family can pay their respects at the visitation on Thursday, March 21 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring (Valet Parking), followed by a memorial service on Friday March 22, at 11 am at Christ Congregational Church, 9525 Colesville Rd.  Silver Spring, MD, 20901.

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