George Brabner, Jr.

George Brabner, Jr., age 98, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at his home.  He was surrounded by family who loved him deeply.  George was born in London Bridge, VA, the son of the late Maude Ethel (Gray) and George Brabner, Sr.  George, Jr. is survived by his best friend and wife of 72 years, Shirley J. Brabner.

George was a Professor at the University of Delaware for many years.  He was a pioneer who advocated for students with special needs to be placed into mainstream classes and schools.  He also developed the Institute of Innovative Thinking at the University of Delaware in the late 60’s.  He received an undergraduate degree from Yale University and a masters and PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign as an Educational Psychologist.

George proudly served in the Navy during World War II and received an honorable discharge.  In his spare time he enjoyed writing limericks, poetry, music, blacksmithing and tinkering with inventions.  He was also an avid cyclist.

In addition to his parents, George is predeceased by his daughter, Sybil Brabner.  George is additionally survived by his daughters, Joyce Brabner and her partner, Lee Batdorff; Diane Grabowski and her husband, Bob Grabowski; Wendy Brabner and her husband, Marc Cooper; Naomi Brabner Veroczi and her partner, Mark Hall; George’s sons, Tod Brabner and his wife, Tania Brabner; Ian Brabner and his wife, Aleks Berger; his grandchildren, David Grabowski, Adele Grabowski, Shannon Summers, Yvonne Cooper, Myla Rae Duane, Jasper Elliott Duane, Bohemia Brabner, Danielle Batone; and his great grandchildren, Emmet Grabowski, Thea Dominguez and June Rose Summers.

George will be sorely missed by family and friends for his smile, his independent thinking and free spirit.

Services for George will be held privately with his family.