Hugh Daley Braithwaite (1960-2024)

Husband, father, friend, creator, and mentor- of Radnor, PA, was called suddenly to his eternal rest on February 28, 2024.

Hugh leaves behind his loving teammate and wife of 29 years, Carolyn (Chapin); his spectacular children, sons Will (Carsen Smith, fiancée) and Owen, and daughter Andie; dear and devoted friends.

Hugh was the son of the late Sally Ann (Daley) and John James Braithwaite, Sr; brother to Bunny (Tim) Brosnan, Angie (Jack) McAllister, John Jr (Tanya) Braithwaite, and Tony Braithwaite; dedicated uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Hugh was raised in Bala Cynwyd, PA, and graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School in 1979. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Dickinson College in 1983.

He cut his teeth in public relations in New York, before returning to his native Philadelphia.  Here, he channeled his creative genius and entrepreneurial spirit in co-founding the highly regarded Philadelphia-based integrated marketing firm Braithwaite Communications with his wife Carolyn.

A storyteller at heart, Hugh could command a room with a subtle turn of phrase, a one-liner, an impression or expression. He was the rare breed of natural performer and comedian that infused his comedy with overwhelming warmth. While you were doubled over laughing, he was right there with you, eternally on your side. He loved playing the guitar and making up songs for his kids. His home became a marvel of creativity, curiosity and non-stop laughter.

Hugh loved deeply with many passions -- family, life, friendships, surfing, sailing, the beach, woodworking, infamous PVC creations, celebrations, comedy, books, music, breakfast, and "Chance" the family dog. He poured his life into his family, always structuring business hours around family dinners.

A worldly, wise and well-read, external man, Hugh also led a deeply spiritual, interior life characterized by a childlike curiosity and constant search for meaning and beauty. His ambitious intellect was matched if not surpassed by his natural warmth, generosity and humility. Equally a man of action, Hugh was guided by that internal compass of profound thought and understanding, making him a powerful example for all those fortunate enough to come within his orbit.

Hugh enjoyed and was immensely enjoyed by all manner of company—siblings, family, nieces and nephews, friends and friends of friends, old and young. If you were lucky enough to spend time with him socially, you left feeling more confident, positive, heard, and appreciated. You left lighter, happier and better off. There was no end to laughter in Hugh's presence. But this was no performance; he was genuinely interested, intensely focused on and sustained by you as much as you were by him. If there is such a thing as the life of the party, Hugh was the miracle of the party. His superpower was joyfully toggling between being the world's greatest entertainer and the world's greatest audience.

When Hugh proposed to the love of his life, Carolyn, he chose his words carefully. "I want to build fires with you." Those words are symbolic of the love and natural poetry so alive in Hugh. So alive, so generously passed to and embraced by Will, Owen, and Andie. So shared with friends and strangers alike. So living eternally. He made good on his promise, too. He built so many fires. Endlessly burning. Endlessly bringing us warmth and light.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10:30-11:30 A.M., Daylesford Abbey 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli PA 19301.  Memorial Service to follow at 11:30 A.M. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Hugh's memory can be made to Heights Philadelphia , a non-profit that creates pathways to college and career for low-income students in Philadelphia.  Contributions can be made online at www.heights.org or by check at 123 S. Broad Street, Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19109.