Ray William Brannan
March 5, 1956— April 7, 2021
Ray was born in Freeport Long Island to Edward and Elizabeth Brannan, the 3rd of 4 sons. He grew up in Merrick, NY and attended schools there, graduating from Calhoun High School in 1974. He went on to college, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from New York Institute of Technology in 1980.
Ray met his wife Ginny, a Vermonter, in November of 1979. He always joked about it being his “first and LAST blind date! They were married on October 3rd, 1981. They resided on Long Island for just over 5 years, moving north and making their home in Ludlow, MA in 1987. Together they have one son, Patrick, born in 1985. Ray was a loving father and enjoyed spending time with his son, whether camping with the scouts, vacationing at The Cape, or watching their favorite comedies together. Laughter was always present in their home!
Ray was employed by Big Y Foods in Springfield MA from 1987 until his retirement in late 2016, working in Grocery and transitioning to Security Receiver. He liked his work, and enjoyed much camaraderie and laughter with his co-workers.
From 1991 to 1993, Ray volunteered on the Ludlow Conservation Commission, putting his
Science Degree into service for his town.
Ray loved history and was a Civil War buff, especially enjoying his trips into Gettysburg when visiting family in PA. He also loved to travel, and felt blessed to have visited the shores of Ireland and Wales. And although a New Yorker, he adapted well to his New England home, embracing all of the local teams, especially his New England Patriots!
He leaves behind his wife Virginia ‘Ginny’ and son Patrick of Ludlow MA
His brother Edward Brannan and Edward’s wife Pat of Carlisle PA
His brother Thomas Brannan of Glenville, PA
His sister-in-law Kathy Brannan of Bessemer City, NC
His niece Tammy Dawn McCarthy and her husband Leonard of Eureka, CA
His nephew Jason Brannan and his wife Natalie of Crouse, NC
His nephew and godson Michael Brannan and his wife Ashley of Carlisle PA
His godson Mathew Parant ,and Mat’s wife Jane of VT and FL
and several great nieces and nephews, cousins, his extended family in VT, and many very close and cherished friends.
He was pre-deceased by his parents Edward and Elizabeth, his older brother John, and beloved sister-in-law Susan, each lovingly remembered and missed.
Ray was a spiritual man who had faith in God and what was to come. May God welcome him
home with open arms.
**Note: Due to the pandemic protocols, and the fact that our dear families and friends are spread across the country from northern VT to PA to NC to FL, and west to CA, we opted in lieu of a traditional memorial and burdening family and friends with the decision to travel across the country, to ask each of you instead, our beloved friends and family, to celebrate Ray in your own way. Raise a glass to him when you gather, remember him with fondness and joy, and hopefully much laughter as you share your stories!
As long as we speak their name and remember, then they are never truly gone.
