Roland J. 'Dud' Branch Obituary (1932

Roland "Dud" J. Branch, age 79, of 7 Mills Ave., Saranac Lake, died Friday, September 30, 2011 surrounded by his family at Adirondack Medical Center. Born in Redford, New York on September 02, 1932, he was the son of Spencer and Stella (Delcour) Branch. He married Patricia LaVallee October 10, 1953 at St. Bernard's Church in Saranac Lake. Dud worked for Swift Meat Packing Co., Maddens Transfer & Storage, and was a self-employed painter until becoming disabled in 1981. He was involved in Saranac Lake youth sports, volunteering as a coach for Little League Baseball and basketball, and was active for many years in the Saranac Lake Fast-Pitch Softball league. As a Redskin, he was a proud member of the inaugural class of the Saranac Lake High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He is also remembered as being the only athlete in school history to have earned five Varsity letters in one year. In addition, he was a member of the New York State National Guard, but his most notable claim to fame was being a truly amazing grandfather to his 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, each of whom he blessed with an endearing nickname. Dud is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia of Saranac Lake, NY; 7 children (Kathy Knapton and her husband Ricky, Theresa Daunais and her husband Allen, Larry Branch and his wife Linda, Dick Branch and his wife Sharon, Sally Muldowney and her husband John, Melanie Strack and her husband Tommy, all of Saranac Lake, NY, and Bill Branch and his wife Nicole of Clifton Park, NY); three brothers (Harlan "Harney" and Jerome "Champ" Branch of Saranac Lake, NY, and Augustine "Gus" Branch of Oswego, NY); two sisters (Louise Wilcox and Rose Glover, both of Saranac Lake, NY); 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant son Tommy, his father and mother, five brothers (Richard, Marshall, Joseph, George, and Donald Branch), and one sister (Mary Miller). Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 4 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, including a Veterans Memorial Association Service at 6:45 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at St. Bernard's Church, with Rev. Mark Reilly officiating. Following cremation, internment will take place in St. Bernard's Cemetery at a future date. Friends wishing to remember Roland "Dud" J. Branch may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad or the Veterans Memorial Association in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guest book at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.