Elmar Edmund Brand passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 16, 2021. He was born January 16, 1933. He was the son of Berta (Schneider) and Richard Brand.

Elmar came of age during the midst of World War II, growing up in Bavaria, Germany. Elmar was educated in Würzburg. He lost his father in the war when Elmar was twelve years old. At age nineteen Elmar came to America to make a life for himself, leaving the rest of his family in Germany. He knew very little English, but was quick to learn.

Elmar worked emphatically to become a naturalized citizen, learn English, and learn a trade. Elmar was a baker for a time. He was drafted into the U.S. Army. It was around this time he made Tillie’s acquaintance. While in the U.S. Army, Elmar was stationed in a number of places in the U.S. He was particularly fond of Colorado. He wrote to Tillie about his experiences, keeping in touch. While in the army, Elmar learned to cook. He always wanted to better himself and he wanted to travel. The U.S. Army helped him achieve these goals. After his service with the army, he pursued a civilian career. Then, Elmar and Tillie became husband and wife.

Elmar eventually became a tool and die specialist. He worked for many years at The Jade Corporation. In his retirement he would enjoy—among many things—spending time with the Jade Corp Breakfast Club and inventing things. Elmar was known to imagine and then materialize his inventions—especially specialized tools. Several of his post-production mock-ups are still in circulation among his friends to whom he gave his creations as gifts.

Elmar was dedicated to his family and his home. He particularly loved gardening and being outside. He also spent a great deal of time helping others. Elmar volunteered for many years at The Bavarian Club in Northeast Philadelphia; he volunteered for his church; he took care of his father-in-law who had special needs. He always had a knack for making people smile and laugh.

Elmar was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Rudolph Krohn, mother-in-law, Ottilia Gordon, his step-father-in-law, Philip Gordon, and his fur babies, Penny, Max, Tiger, Critter, and Arielle.

Elmar is survived by his wife Ottilia, their two daughters, Heidi Ebright (step-daughters, Kathleen, Kayla, step-grandchildren Briella, Eliza) and Elise Brand (husband, Anthony Makowski); his brother, Helmut Brand (Ingrid) his sister, Hildegund Dorsch (Walter) of Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany; nephews Martin Brand, Andreas Dorsch (Katarina; daughter, Johanna), nieces Eva Dorsch and Christine Weinsheimer; and friends in both Germany and America.

Services will be held at Addisville Reformed Church in Richboro, PA on Saturday, October 23, 2021. The Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery will inter the remains of Elmar Brand with a final salute with military honors at a later date yet to be determined, in recognition of the faithful years of Elmar’s service to The United States of America.

Memorials may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

Many thanks to Gwynedd Healthcare, Elm Terrace Gardens and Ascend Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Elmar in his later years. Whenever Elmar was outside of his house, investigating the neighborhood, gardening or at a social gathering, he was known to strike up a conversation with passers-by or new-comers. Among his family, Elmar earned the loving nickname, “The Mayor of Churchville.” The world lost a very generous, caring person when Elmar left this earth. Elmar was a loving husband, father, brother, step-grandfather and friend. “Mayor” Elmar Edmund Brand: forever in our hearts.