David Edward Brandeen

On Monday, August 14, 2023, David Brandeen, loving and devoted father to three children, beloved twin brother to Doug Brandeen and so much more to so many, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 58.

David was born to Phillip and Jeanne (Ferron) Brandeen on a beautiful early Fall day. As was the case with David, he came bearing a surprise and twice the fun for his parents and 3 older siblings: Steve, Craig, and Jeff Brandeen. Ten minutes after his birth his twin brother came alone much to the surprise of everyone. And that’s the way it remained from that beautiful Fall day until his passing, David, and Doug, together with lots of laughs, antics, pithy nicknames, acronyms, and dad jokes.

David Brandeen grew up in New Brighton, MN where he graduated in 1983 from Irondale High School. In 1989, David received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from his beloved United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and his M.B.A. in finance from the Pamplin School of Business at Virginia Tech in 2002. David served in the United States Navy for nearly six years before being honorably discharged. Most recently, David served as Senior Partner and Portfolio Manager of Investments alongside Doug at their firm Quillion Wealth Management in Baltimore, MD.

David was a loving and devoted father who proudly coached several of his children’s and nephew’s sports teams. On any given day, you could find him happily toting his children to and from their schools, jobs and after school activities. David’s greatest role was being a father; and he loved every single second of it making sure to impart the best of life’s lessons such as “Never take a wooden nickel” or “Carve your own path.”

Though surely a wry and quick-witted man always at the ready with a joke, fish tale or to stir the pot, overall, David was a kind and gentle soul. Once a friend of David’s, always a friend! As a member of the world’s largest alumni fraternity/sorority aka The U.S. Naval Academy, David built a long list of friends who he treasured and cherished each day. We are all devastated at this sudden great loss and trying hard to make sense of it or find the reason why. However, we can rest assured knowing that heaven gained an angel and to borrow from another “Davidism;” “I’ll tell ya when you’re older.”

David leaves behind his three beautiful children Chase, Ava and Olivia Brandeen, mother Jeanne Brandeen, brothers Steve (Rita Brandeen), Craig (Katherine Brandeen) and Jeff (late Elizabeth Brandeen), Doug (Laura Brandeen), and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service followed by full military honors inurnment will be held at the United States Naval Academy Chapel and Columbarium respectively on Thursday September 21, 2023, at 1400 hours. Family and close friends are encouraged to join for fellowship and lite fare at the USNA Fluegel Alumni Center afterwards in a Celebration of Life event for David Brandeen. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on behalf of David Brandeen at the USNA Alumni Center. Rest in Peace now as You are forever in our hearts. Fair winds and following seas David.

Please contact Doug Brandeen at [email protected] should you be planning to attend David's memorial service at the Fluegel Alumni Center as we need a head count.