A builder; artisan and craftsman; a steward of the land and of those he loved, and all those whose lives he touched; such was the way, and the life, of Scott Braley.
Taken too soon by illness, Scott Charles Braley passed away on October 6, 2020, at the age of 64.
Scott was predeceased by his stepfather, Richard Worner and stepmother, Nancy Braley.
He will be remembered by his loving wife, Mary Ellen Brothers Guon Braley, and beloved daughter, Amy Braley, his mother, Gayl Knowlton Worner and father, Theodore Braley. Scott is also survived by his sisters Karen Kostera (Gary) and Tammy Braley (Terri Nickerson); brothers, Richard Worner (Linda Kohn) and Scott Worner (Chad Slayton), as well as Mary Ellen’s large and devoted family.
A lover of the outdoors, Scott was an ardent believer in the value of environmental conservation. It was a belief and passion that took root early in his life, and a legacy he gave to his daughter, as the two planted hundreds of evergreen trees in the Southern Tier region. For Scott, for Amy’s entire life, she has been “it”– the object of a devoted father’s love.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Scott was the glue that brought many diverse groups together, sharing his special gifts of generosity, knowledge and humor. He organized hunting trips to seek the elusive moose in Newfoundland, quiet forays to a tree stand near home, and joined beach neighbors and friends for the 4th of July celebration and other rituals of summer. Scott’s friends have recounted his uncanny ability to pull off a masterful practical joke at their expense.
Scott was recognized as an exquisite craftsman. He was the founder of Scott C. Braley General Contracting. The name of the enterprise feels modest and understated, like Scott himself. The work, however, was, in aggregate, a masterpiece.
Many in our region reaped the benefit of his skilled workmanship. But for Scott, the crowning accomplishment, was being entrusted with the restoration of the famed Edward E. Boynton House in Rochester, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Scott assembled a team of the area’s most talented professionals who shared in a unique opportunity. It was a labor of love and the perfect project to capture the perfectionist’s work.
Scott was a caring and compassionate man. A devoted father, son, and brother; adoring husband and friend. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Scott C. Braley was celebrated by his family in a private remembrance. In his honor, plant a tree, or make a donation in his memory to the Seneca Park Zoo Society at 2222 St. Paul St. Rochester, NY 14621 or https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/