William G. Braun II, DDS

William G. Braun II, DDS of East Aurora passed away in his home on 15 May 2023. Born in Buffalo on 26 October 1926, he attended Hobart College and Cornell University after which he proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Navy during World War II.

Upon leaving the service, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He started a private dental practice on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. Dr. Braun married his true love, Donna Mae Anderson (May 1, 1954) and made their first home in Cheektowaga where they had five children. Later, Dr. Braun was a charter investor in the Northtown Medical Building on Alberta Drive in Amherst, where he continued to practice dentistry until he retired at the age of 77. Bill and Donna Mae moved to East Aurora in 1968 where they raised their children and lived out their remaining years.

An active member of the community, Bill belonged to Nativity Lutheran Church. Dr. Braun was a Mason (65 years) in the Hiram Lodge and a Shriner at the Ismailia Temple of Buffalo. He was recently recognized for his Jubilee celebration of 60 Years as an Associate Nun with the Sisters of Saint Joseph. In his youth, Bill worked as a camp counselor and waterfront director at Cradle Beach Camp, forging lifelong relationships with disabled campers who later became friends and patients.

An avid outdoorsman and sailor, he enjoyed life as a Member of the Buffalo Yacht Club, the East Aurora Fish and Game Club, and the former Glenwood Acres Ski Club. Having been a Navy pilot, Dr. Braun continued to fly as a private pilot for many years. An avid sailboat sailor, he earned his 50 Ton Master Mariner’s license later in life. Dr. Braun had a love of singing and was a member of the barber shop group, “The Friends of Harmony” as well as the church choir. Bill was well traveled and embraced all cultures, making and maintaining close friendships around the world. He was a natural teacher and a lifelong learner. He belonged to The Hammer & Tongs Literary Club and the East Aurora Investment Club where he benefited intellectually and socially. Dr. Braun is remembered for his compassion for people, his infectious smile, and his gracious hospitality.

Dr. Braun was predeceased by his loving and faithful wife of 67 years, Donna Mae (Anderson) Braun, and his brother Rae Braun. He is survived by his five children COL(R) William III (Leesa) Braun of Carlisle, PA; Eric (Emilita) Braun JD, of Birmingham, AL; Heidi (Col(R) James) McCready of E. Aurora; Dr. Heather (Brian) Buccieri of E. Aurora, COL(R) Lars (Terri-Lynn) Braun, of Ellicott City MD, and sister-in-law, Carol Christensen of Rochester. He was thrilled to be the grandfather of 15 and the great grandfather of 10.

The Braun Family will receive visitation at Nativity Lutheran Church on Main Street in E. Aurora on 1 July 2023 between 9 a.m – 11 a.m., with a service to follow to honor the life and memory of William G. Braun II, DDS. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Cradle Beach Camp, on their web page: Cradlebeach.org.

***To watch the Live Stream Funeral Service- please see attached link

https://youtube.com/live/Ra8FQPp1pyc?feature=share