David E. Braman
January 29, 2005
David E. Braman, 92, formerly of Stockbridge died Saturday morning at Laurel Lake Center for Health and Rehabilitation.
Born in North Adams on July 29, 1912, son of Jason and Theresa Beck Braman, his family moved to Stockbridge in 1927, where he graduated from the former Williams High School in 1929.
He also graduated from Mount Hermon School in 1931 and from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1934. He attended Bay Path Institute in Springfield.
An Air Force veteran of World War II, he served as a staff sergeant with the 96th Bombardment Squadron and saw action in Italy.
Mr. Braman was the postmaster in Stockbridge for 20 years. Prior to that, he and his father operated Braman's Retail Drygoods on Main Street until 1954.
He was a member of First Congregational Church for more than 70 years. He was superintendent of its Sunday school from 1940 until he entered the service. He also had served as moderator and deacon at the church for a number of years, as well as participating in its other organizations.
He was a 50-year member of the Occidental Lodge AF&AM, and served as master in 1950 and in 1969 and as treasurer for many years. He was a 57-year member of the Monument Chapter RAM and the Berkshire Royal Arch Chapter.
He was president and secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge. He served on the town Finance Committee, and was unit chairman of the local Salvation Army and Red Cross drive and chairman of the American Cancer Society.
Mr. Braman was adjunct and commander of the former Captain Allen Harrington American Legion and a member of Joseph Lombardi American Legion Post in West Stockbridge. He was in charge of the Memorial Day parade exercise in Stockbridge for a number of years.
He and his wife, the former Anna Webb, were married Aug. 19, 1950, in First Congregational Church.
FUNERAL NOTICE -- A memorial service for David E. Braman, who died Jan. 29, 2005, will be conducted Thursday at 2 at First Congregational Church in Stockbridge by the Rev. Steven W. Bridges, pastor.
A reception will follow in the Jonathan Edwards Room at the church following the service. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations to the First Congregational Church Scholarship Fund or the Stockbridge Library.
KELLY FUNERAL HOME in Lee is in charge of arrangements.
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