January 29, 1918 to May 15, 2015

Branch was 97 years “young” at the time of his passing. Branch, who was always energetic and upbeat, loved people and made friends easily. Branch was passionate about Italian cooking and watercolor painting – a hobby that he started at 81 years of age. Branch loved living on Orcas Island and attending the Orcas Island Senior Center.

Branch’s career always encompassed some form of aviation – it was his vocation and avocation. When he worked at the Sperry Corporation (NY) and Honeywell (Fla.), Branch was involved in various stages of design/ research development of rocket engines, as well as accelerometers for the Polaris and Minuteman Missile Programs.

Branch was married to Terry Branciforte for 69 years until her passing in 2008.

Branch was preceded in death by his son, Ronald (Winona) Branciforte, in 2004. Branch is survived by daughters: Joan (James) Heyer and Lorraine (Howard) Gregg; his grandchildren: Debra Branciforte, Ronald J. Branciforte, Danny (Stephanie) Branciforte, Charles (Cami) Gregg, Christopher (Elena) Gregg; great-grandchildren: Kayla (Jordan) Thompson, Summer Branciforte, Phoenix Branciforte, Alexander Gregg and Howard Gregg.

We will always remember Branch with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.