Harry Hays

Hays, Harry Brownson “Brownie”

Of Williamsville, NY, passed away February 15, 2025 just six weeks short of his 102nd birthday. Born in Cottage Grove, Oregon, Brownie spent his early life on the family farm in Youngstown, NY where he developed his lifelong love of figuring out how things worked. He was in the Army during WWII in the Pacific and served his country with honor and integrity. After the war, Brownie’s younger brother introduced him to Youngstown High School’s new Home Economics teacher, Amelia (Millie) Burg. They married in 1947. Together, they raised four children. Brownie was a kind man, loved his family and was and will continue to be a wonderful role model for us all. He was predeceased by his wife of 73 years in 2020 and his beloved daughter, Barbara Hays Kamp, in 2023. He was also predeceased by his daughter-in-law Jeannie Campanelli (David). Brownie is survived by his son-in-law Arthur Kamp, sons: David (Joanne Marasco), Thomas (Ellen Friedland) and James (Ruth). He will be sorely missed by his seven grandchildren: Sara Kamp Collins (Scott), Nathaniel Kamp (Elizabeth), Oliver Hays (Justine), Anna Hays (Drew Reynolds), Leah Hays (Daniel Gaffney), William Hays (Brittney), and Andrew Hays (Amanda). He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren: Maya and Sophia Collins; Michael, Benjamin, and Caroline Kamp; Violet Hays; Charlotte, Elizabeth, and James Reynolds; Evelyn and Francis Gaffney; Porter and Emmy Hays; Parker and Paige Hays.

In 1941, Brownie took the Aircraft Factory Training Course. Before and after the war he worked at Bell Aircraft. In 1959, he went to work at Moog Inc. Brownie was a Senior Design Draftsman designing and refining parts for Military Aircraft (including the F15) and NASA spaceships. He retired from Moog in 1988. Brownie was instrumental in the founding of the Moog Employees Federal Credit Union in 1963 where he served as their first president. He was also a director of the Aero Club of Buffalo. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with the love of his life Millie, his children, and grandchildren. Brownie also enjoyed woodworking and taught Adult Education Classes. He had a life-long love of sailing on Lake Ontario.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Elderwood Village of Williamsville and Hospice for their compassionate care and support of our Dad. A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.