Richard N. Bramble
Richard N. Bramble, 72, of Chestertown, MD passed away on September 4, 2019, in Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE. Born on August 19, 1947, he was the son of the late Thomas Henry Morris Bramble, III and Catherine Wilson Bramble.
Known affectionately as Richie and Chop, Bramble was a lifetime resident of Chestertown and played an integral part of downtown business. For nearly 30 years, the backroom of Bramble’s Menswear was a crossroads for discussion about local politics and social happenings that attracted a diverse collection of visitors. Many of the Town and County’s thorniest political disputes were resolved (or not) in the backroom, but Rich always ensured the environment was positive, driven by his friendly demeanor.
Rich was a 1965 graduate of Chestertown High School. An advocate for small business and a long-time member of the National Federation of Independent Business, he believed in providing great customer service. He started at Southern States Cooperative before he began his career in retail sales with Bonnett’s Town & Country, now the home of Kent County Department of Social Services, in the ’60s and ’70s. In 1980, Rich opened Bramble’s Menswear, which he operated until its closing in 2009. His shop will be remembered long into the future; his labels tagged many suits and ties still being worn today. He was working for Ramsey GMC at the time of his death.
Sam Heck, Chestertown native, and attorney, has known Rich since childhood. He grew up on Washington Avenue. Rich, two years younger, grew up around the corner on Campus Avenue. His friendship with Bramble extended back to their childhood days playing sandlot pickup baseball games in a playground behind what is now Garnett Elementary School.
“He was a great guy from the time growing up and through his whole life,” Heck recalled. “He was you classic good neighbor and almost generous to a fault.”
Heck played golf with Bramble from youth. “He was an excellent golfer who broke the (Chester River) Club course record of 67 for about two weeks in his 20s, that was until someone came along and broke his 66,” Heck remarked.
Jack Diller first met Rich when Bramble entered the seventh grade at Chestertown High School where Jack proctored homeroom. It was Jack’s first year teaching and Rich’s first year in that school building. “We were always friends after that,” Diller said. “Rich followed me to work at Bonnett’s when I left there and I worked part-time for Richie when he opened his shop across the street.”
“In my consideration, he really became a compassionate and concerned businessman,” Diller recalled. “He was a real gentleman; I will miss him.”
Tom Stevenson of Quaker Neck started buying his clothes from Rich at Bonnett’s and followed him across the street to the shop at the “T” of Spring and High Streets. “He was one of the most honest and sincere people I have ever met,” Stevenson continued. “He was a friend to everyone in the community.”
“The backroom was fun,” Stevenson remembers. “It was a place where persons from all walks of life could show up, tell stories, laugh, and have a good time.”
Richie was a member of Chester River Yacht & Country Club, the Downtown Chestertown Association, Republican Central Committee, Chestertown Elks and a past board member of Kent County Humane Society.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife of 21 years, Lynn Freeman Bramble and a brother Robert Bramble.
He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Frances ‘Frannie’ Bunch Bramble; his children, Scott Bramble (Jill Smith Bramble) of Warwick, MD and Laura DeVol (Michael) of Davidsonville, MD; the mother of his children, Anne George Bramble DeComo of Massey, MD; a brother, Thomas Bramble and 4 grandchildren Sarah Catherine DeVol, Nicholas Clarkson Bramble, Brian Patrick DeVol and Jordan Elizabeth Bramble.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 11 to 1 pm at Eastern Shore Bible Baptist Church, 13984 Gregg Neck Rd., Galena, MD, where service will begin at 1 pm.
Lynn McLain says
What a wonderfully kind and positive person! He always lifted my spirits whenever I saw him. He will be very much missed.
Wm Barney Willis says
I am saddened to hear such news. On one of my monthly trips to the Eastern Shore this summer, upon early Monday morning return to Charleston, and after a weekend of playing music on the Shore, I stopped in Royal Farms for a breakfast sandwich and fuel to head back south. Someone spoke from behind and said, “Hello, Ole-Timer”. As I turned around, my eyes landed on a long-time family friend, Richie. We talked while waiting in-line. I am so thankful for reconnection on Facebook a few years ago and this last-time opportunity to speak to a native gentleman of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a true Chestertown native. I shall never forget growing up, partially raised by Richie and other parents of Chester River Yacht & Country Club families.
Always treasured a Christmas gift certificate to Brambles Menswear to cash in my certificate for fine apparel, along with kind conversation of catching up on life each year .
RIP Ole-Timer – you will be missed.
Laura DeVol says
What a beautiful tribute to my father, who was a remarkable man in many ways. He loved his family, friends and hometown fiercely. Thank you for the article.
Laura (Bramble) DeVol
Jim Luff says
I was so sorry to hear the news about Rich. I first met Rich through the Chestertown Jaycees. We worked on projects together. Went to meetings and events together. He always had a smile on his face. He was always ready to talk about Chestertown. We got our last two cars from Rich at Ramsey’s. We would take ten minutes for business, but then talk about Chestertown, politics, and old times (we always came back to talking about old times). He would do anything to help you out. You will be missed my friend. Rest in peace and we will carry on for you.
Gerry Maynes says
I met Mr Bramble when I worked selling advertising yesrs ago with Falcon Cable. A nucer better man has never been placed on the shore. I would visit him and we would gravutate to his back room , watch a few innings if and Irioles game and just talk. God bless him.
Zoa Ann Beasley says
Richy was all of that and more. He had the kindest, gentlest soul I have ever known. I said today, “he was a gentleman”. No finer a man. He leaves, a legacy that cannot be filled. Scottie is so much like him. Gentle and always a smile. I don’t know his daughter, but I am sure she has that winderful spirit. I pray his kind soul soars in the heavens. He had a special place on this earth and will forever be remembered. With love to you Richy, from Rooster and Zoa Ann
Barbara Harbeson says
So sorry to hear of Rich passing. What a nice person. When we moved here, he offered I take a jacket home for my husband to try before payment was received. I had never heard of such a thing in retail. Of course we loved it, and paid right away, but trust is a lost commodity. A lotta good character and a wonderful all around guy. Barbara Harbeson
matthew weir says
In 1985, I came to Chestertown to attend Washington College. One day, I needed a tie to wear to an event. I went into Bramble’s and found a tie I liked. When I went to pay for it, I found the tie cost more than I had. Richie asked my name and explained that he knew I would come back to pay the difference. His trust in me was one of the most valuable lessons I ever had.
As a result of feeling trusted and known, I decided to stay in Chestertown every summer. I joined the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department, worked at Tolchester Marina and fell in love with the town. The fact that I own commercial real estate in the town today can be traced right back to that one interaction with Richie.
I now live in another small town. One of the primary reasons I live in a small town is because Richie taught me the value of a name. I want my children to know that their name is a currency. It can have value if you are a good person or it can be worthless if you abuse it. I am so very thankful for having known Richie Bramble. May you forever be at peace. Thank you for the valuable lesson you taught me.