Harvey Alan Brand passed away on Jan. 11, the day before his 85th birthday, following a stroke.
The first child of Sarah (Caplan) and Sanford Brand, Harvey was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, and raised in Albany, New York. He graduated from RPI with a degree in electrical engineering and was president of his fraternity. Harvey married Carol Cohen in 1965 and they raised two children, Alex and Alicia, in Marblehead.
He enjoyed a long career, initially in defense contracting and later for the Federal Department of Transportation. Harvey’s passion was sailing. He is a past commodore of the Boston Yacht Club and served more than 30 years as the Race Committee chair, overseeing the Marblehead to Halifax ocean-race every other year. He participated twice in the race, once as captain of his own boat.
Harvey retired in 2005 and split time between Massachusetts and Florida. He is predeceased by the love of his life, Carol, to whom he was married for over 59 years, before her passing last spring. He became Carol’s advocate and principal caregiver in her final years.
Harvey was fiercely independent and adhered to a strong value system. He leaves a legacy to his family of the importance of hard work and taking care of those you love.
He leaves behind his children, Alex (Jessica) Brand and Alicia Brand; his grandchildren, Madalyn and Isabelle; his brother Ed and a large group of lifelong friends.
Services will be held at Temple Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd. in Albany on Friday, Jan. 16, at 12 p.m. and will be live-streamed at cbealbany.org. Click “livestream” at the top of the congregation website.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the home of Alex and Jessica on Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday from 4-8 p.m.
A celebration of his life will be held in Marblehead this summer.
Contributions in Harvey’s memory may be made to Mercy Ships, the United States Holocaust Museum and the Wounded Warrior Project.
To leave a message of condolence for the family online please visit levinememorialhapel.com
