LeRoy G. "Hank" Brightwell, age 78, died Saturday, April 5th at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air after a brief illness.

Hank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helene, two daughters and a son-in-law: Kirsten Brightwell and Courtney Murray and her husband, Paul. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Brooks Buck, Talbot Buck, Chloe Murray, Remy Buck and Sophie Murray.

Hank served over two years, with distinction, as a Marine. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest. At the time of his death, he was a proud member of the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association.

He was born and raised in Baltimore, the only son of George and D. Elaine Brightwell. As a young man, he learned to work on cars and developed his lifelong interest in woodworking. He was the District Manager of SCAN International and his success in business can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his extraordinary attention to detail. Hank retired in 2007 and spent his retirement volunteering on various Boards of Directors in Ocean City, MD and doting on his five grandchildren, who adored their Papa.

Burial services will be held privately.

Please share condolences with the family by signing his guestbook.