John Alison Brockway, age 80, died in Rhode Island on May 20, 2024 after a wonderful weekend of celebrating one of his grandchildren's college graduation, surrounded by his wife and his son's family. John's big, generous heart was unable to give any more love and support to his family, church, and community.

John was born in Bridgeport, CT on September 24, 1943 to Robert N. Brockway Jr. and Katherine Alison Brockway. He attended Stratford, CT schools and graduated from Monson Academy, MA and then Wagner College in 1966. While at Wagner College, he met his beloved wife, Lisabeth Holderle, (better known as Betsy); they were married in Rochester, NY on February 5, 1966. Their children include Brian and wife Kimberlee Brockway and daughter Amie and husband Evan Brockway Metcalf. His pride and joy were his amazing grandchildren: Ella and Abby Brockway and Oscar, Arlo and Raine Brockway Metcalf. During his children's Pawling Schools days, John was also a father to exchange students Jorge Rheineck Mendez of Paraguay and Sandy Bersier of Switzerland. He was cherished by all the cousins, nieces, and nephews from the extended Holderle and Brockway families for not only researching family history/genealogy, but for his humor and his affection and respect for all.

John was a Veteran as a Naval Air Reservist for six years including active duty 1966 to 1968, and honorably discharged as an AE3Petty Officer. He was a member of the Pawling American Legion.
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John and Betsy lived in Pawling for 43 years before moving to Poughquag in 2018. John was very active in Brian and Amie's early years, serving as the Pawling Cub Scout Packmaster, DC Girl Scout board member, and coach of their youth sports. He supported Amie's involvement in Pawling Community Theater productions with set design and even acting. He was known for having a small pickup truck, which he used to haul firewood as a family, take kids to the mall or trick or treating, and help neighbors. For many years, he worked part-time at Lloyd Lumber/Dill's Best designing kitchens to provide additional support for his young family.

For 36 years, John was an outstanding fifth-grade teacher for George Fischer Middle School, Carmel, NY, retiring in July 2004. He absolutely loved being a teacher, coaching wrestling (including girls) and leading Chess Club. His room was famous for his collection of license plates and soda cans, which he used to teach scientific classification. You could often find students dealing with issues or needing extra help eating lunch with "Mr. B." He spent many years chaperoning the Spring 8th Grade GFMS trip to Washington D.C. and became an expert tour guide, widely respected for his knowledge of local one-way streets.

The Brockway family joined Christ Church on Quaker Hill, Pawling in 1976, and the church members became their local "family." John was a tenor in the Singers and Double Quartet for 48 years up until he died. In the past, he served on the Board of Deacons and Trustees, spent time as the Youth Director, served as a mentor for confirmands, and participated in small groups, especially the Men's K Group. John led six missions in New Orleans and upstate New York to rebuild homes after hurricanes. He was currently working on a complete Church history, which involved over three years of research. John was a man who loved God and the world God created – especially gardens.

History was another love of John's, as he served for many years as the Pawling Historical Society President and Vice President. He had a wealth of local history knowledge and loved sharing it as a docent and organizer of elementary school group visits to the John Kane House Museum. He enthusiastically shared the history of George Washington's stay in Pawling during the American Revolution and the Quaker Hill Meeting House history. He donated many hours in retirement researching local families' genealogy from inquiries made through the Pawling Town Hall, Library, and the Historical Society. During the Town of Pawling Bicentennial, John organized a very successful committee to inventory and repair the local cemeteries. Until recently, he was a Quaker Hill Burial Ground Association Board member.

John served on the Pawling Community Resource Center Board during his retirement and was a weekly volunteer driver until his health issues became more challenging. The Pawling Public Radio Station recognized John and Betsy in 2012 with the "Building Community-One Voice at a Time" award.

Trains were another passion for John. He and Betsy completed two cross-country Amtrak trips, two Rocky Mountaineer adventures and many regular and historical train rides throughout the country and Europe. He was known for several years for his original Christmas model train layouts in the Book Cove's December window. When not on a train, John enjoyed planning long-distance driving trips with Betsy, especially to visit family, friends and many National Parks throughout the years.

Deceased family members include his parents Robert and Katherine Brockway; sister Kate Grenholm; brother Robert N. Brockway III; and sister-in-law Dorothy Holderle Stoss. He is survived by his wife, his children, grandchildren, sister-in-law Marguerite Holderle and brother-in-laws Frederick Stoss and Gary Grenholm, plus many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 2 PM at Christ Church on Quaker Hill, 17 Church Street Pawling, NY 12564. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's honor may be sent to the Pawling Historical Society, PO Box 99, Pawling NY 12564, Christ Church on Quaker Hill, 17 Church Street, Pawling, NY 12564 or Pawling Community Resource Center, 126 E Main Street, Pawling, NY 12564. John would find joy in any new plantings in your garden, acts of kindness for others and support for the New York Yankees.