Oliver Branneky

Oliver Charles Branneky lost his battle with multiple myeloma and other complications on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at Hospice of the Comforter. He was 89. Charlie was born in St. Louis County, Missouri to Oliver and Elizabeth Branneky. After being drafted out of Christian Brothers College, at the age of 18, he proudly served his country in World War ll in the 42nd Infantry Division (aka "Rainbow Division") of General Patton's Army. His job was setting up radio communications and he painted rainbows on bridges, etc to signify that his operation had taken over that area. In later years he returned to Europe and still saw traces of rainbows he had painted. He was reluctant to speak of the war but in his later years, did recount the horrors of liberating the concentration camp at Dachau. After the war, he attended college in Scotland and continued his studies at a business school when he returned home, graduated and began working again in his family's business, Branneky True Value Hardware, in what was called Pattonville, Missouri at the time. In 1948, he married "the girl next door" Lorraine Adele Schroeder and they were married 61 years, until her death in 2009. Together, they helped form the Pattonville Fire Department, where Charlie became chief. They became active in the American Legion, where he served as Post Commander, He chaired the Bridgeton Charter Commission and helped to write the city's charter. In 1969, he moved to Orlando, Florida and started Branneky True Value Hardware, on Orange Ave. Once in Orlando, Charlie and Lorraine joined Whirl'n Twirl Square Dance Club, eventually serving as Presidents. For over 10 years, Charlie was President of the congregation at Resurrection Lutheran Church, and when it closed, became extremely active in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where he met the second love of his life, Mary Ellen. They were married three years. Charles was an avid gardener and over the years collected hundreds of varieties of dahlias, bromeliads, desert roses, and plumeria. Always an active hobbyist, he started collecting stamps during military service to the present, and when he became more sedentary, he recently revisited that hobby and joined the Central Florida Stamp Club. He enjoyed exploring genealogy and entertained many as a skilled joke and story teller. With a passion for travel, he toured the world extensively with both Lorraine and Mary Ellen. The man loved to eat and was known as a dapper dresser, and will always be remembered for his signature bow ties. He was predeceased by daughter Elizabeth and son George. He is survived by daughters Barbara Patrick (David) of San Jacinto, CA, Susan Branneky of Lake Worth, FL, Sylvia Warren of Ocala, FL, son Bill Branneky of Orlando, FL, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and lots of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was greatly loved by his family and all who knew him. Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 27, at Carey Hand Funeral Parlor-2811 Curry Ford Road, from 2-4 and from 6-8. Burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park-10am, Thursday, May 28. Memorial Service at Prince of Peace, 11am Saturday, May 30.

Visitation

Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home
2811 Curry Ford Road
Orlando, FL  32806
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
2pm to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm

Service

Memorial Service

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
1515 S Semoran Blvd
Orlando, FL  32822
Saturday, May 30, 2015
11am

Cemetery

Woodlawn Memorial Park
400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road
Gotha, FL  34734