David William Braun

David William Braun (Dave) was born on August 14, 1950 and he passed peacefully at home, on October 30, 2020. Dave is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathleen (Grosse); his children, Krista (Stephen) Jones, Erik (Cyndi) Braun, Adam Braun and Monica Maiale; grandsons Jayden, Colton, Xander and River; sister Gail (C. Louis) Figgs; nieces Stacy (Aman) Sohki, Amy (Brett) Illig; nephew Brian Figgs; aunt Peg McConnell. Dave leaves behind many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents William and Helen (McConnell) Braun; in-laws Jack and Dorothy (Shields) Grosse; uncles Howard McConnell, William and aunt Josephine McConnell, and aunt Charlotte Braun.

Dave grew up in the Tacony area of Philadelphia. He was always a hard worker; he delivered the Bulletin Paper and sold shoes at Klines Department Store. He graduated from Lincoln High School and went on to Pierce junior College and LaSalle University. Dave was a Financial Accounting Manager at several insurance companies and he worked at Aetna for many years until he retired in 2012. He was a member of the Lively Corner and Vogt Playground since he was young and the crowd is still part of our family of good friends. He met his wife, Kathleen (Kat) in September of 1975 and it was love at first sight. Dave and Kat were married in January of 1978. They raised three wonderful children, Krista, Erik and Adam. Dave was very proud of them. He coached baseball and basketball and like professional coaches, sometimes got ejected. To say he was an avid Philadelphia sports fan is an understatement. Some say he married Kat because her Dad, Jack, was assistant manager at Veteran’s Stadium where the Philles and Eagles played. He worked with Jack at the Eagles game spotting the ball as Jack ran the scoreboard. Luckily for Kat when Jack retired, they stayed together. Anyone who knew Dave knows he was a strong-headed guy, but a gentle husband, father and Pop-pop. He always stood up for what he believed in, his God, his family and his country. He loved his doggies, Elvis, Midnight, Clio, Elvis 2nd, Gia and Dutch (Gia and Dutch with Kat now).

Dave and Kat moved to Arizona in 2012 when he retired. Only 8 months after they moved, Dave contracted prostate cancer, survived the grueling chemo and radiation treatments and beat it. Philly strong. After he recovered, in November of 2014 he was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer, went through chemo and radiation and beat it! Philly strong. Dave and Kat bought a travel trailer and travelled around Arizona, often with their grandson, Colton. In 2018, he had a rare illness resulting in multiple surgeries and a long hospital stay, beat it, Philly strong. Unfortunately, his immune system was so compromised, he again was diagnosed with lung cancer in May of 2019. Dave fought and fought with all his stubbornness and love for his family, unfortunately, cancer is an ugly beast and Dave lost his battle. He went very peacefully and will be missed dearly by those he left behind.

A memorial will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to the Cancer Support Community of Arizona, 360 East Palm Lane Phoenix, AZ 85004. This community has become part of Dave’s life for years and has helped him with living with cancer, treatment options and support to Kat as well.

The Coach will live on in our memories!