Eric Joseph Branstrom

Eric is survived by his wife Linda, his son Eric (Jennifer) Branstrom Jr., his daughters Cheryl (Ronald) Olivier, Alison Branstrom Calise, his son-in-law Dominick Calise, his grandchildren Ronald (Dana) Olivier Jr., Dawn (Nate) Crecca, Erika Calise, Anthony Calise, and Jessica Olivier. He is preceded in death by Harold and Mary Branstrom of Port Chester, New York, his brother Harold Branstrom, and his sisters Joan Labate and Marilyn Mott.

Eric was born on September 3rd, 1934 in Port Chester, New York to Harold and Mary Branstrom. He joined the United States Navy from 1952-1955 and served in the Korean War on Battleship U.S.S. Bennington CUA-20. After leaving the Navy, he attended and graduated Pace University with a degree in business/accounting. Eric worked hard as Cost Accountant for Avon, Foxboro, New Hermes and other jobs while raising his children, Cheryl, Eric Jr., and Alison as a single father with the help of his Father-in-Law, Walter Sears and his Mother-in-Law, Alice Sears. Eric met the love of his life, Linda Wehrly, in 1986 and got married in November 1991 in Southport, Connecticut. After spending many happy memorable years living in Connecticut, Eric and Linda moved to Mesa, Arizona to enjoy their retirement together.

Eric’s favorite football team was the New York Jets! He was a lifelong fan and enjoyed going to games as a season ticket holder with his good friends Paul and Pete. He loved to dance and was a part-time teacher and performed at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. He also enjoyed golf, being an umpire at local baseball games, bowling (he once bowled a perfect 300 game!) and horse racing which got him involved with working at the Kentucky Derby for many years! If you knew Eric, you knew he was no stranger to the Casino the last couple years and would never miss a Bingo game! He had a beautiful smile and taught many life skills and encouraged and supported all of his children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams and goals. Linda loved him dearly and is extremely blessed to have been alongside such a nearly perfect husband for almost 40 years. His family and friends will always remember him as an intelligent, kind, funny, patient, whimsical and understanding husband, father, grandfather(G-pa/Papa Hi-Ho) and friend. He has touched the lives and hearts of many and will be dearly missed.

To celebrate his life, there will be a private memorial in Mesa, Arizona with only close family and friends. Thank you to everyone that has reached out or will reach out, we appreciate your kind words and condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eric's memory may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Make a Donation | Parkinson's Disease.