Bill......I still miss your wry, wise smile while listening to others extol  their various views about politics and life in general.  I remember all the soccer games of Zandy and Tasha you videotaped every year.  And of course how could I forget Eve's crazy  Jack Russell Terriers and your endless patience with them  and Eve would say with her, although I know you had soft spot in your heart for Spike and Normie. We never made it to Ireland .....perhaps in our next lifetime.  
Always with love in my heart for you  
Helen Emmerson

Dear William...”Billy,”

I remember when you contacted me through my command at North Island in 1981. Being just newlyweds ourselves, Patricia and I, having just honeymooned from Florida to my new squadron, we were so surprised to learn you were the cousin I heard about that of our families had so spoken highly of you when younger, but never thought I meet you. 
When Patricia and I visited your beautiful family and home in Del Mar, we thought our friendship would grow! But yet as time passed, getting caught up in the busy-ness of our own lives, time distanced us. 
Over the years I recall calling you a couple of times for advice, but our connection faded as most do for the Braniff’s; as we go our own way. 
I oftentimes wondered about you, after being district attorney during the 80’s and had learned you started your own private practice in San Diego. 
As most military couples do, we moved a lot, raising our children abroad, finally retired and now have settled in Northern California. I was reminiscing today looking in the obituaries to see if my own older brother Eddie; whom I haven’t seen since he was my Best Man at my own wedding 40-years ago; and in searching for him, I found you. 
My apologies for us not pursuing a relationship with your family and our children not getting to know yours. Sadly you passed away, several months after we returned back to Japan in 2015. Yet, unfortunately just finding out now that you have passed. 
Again, my sincere apology to you! May you have eternal peace Cousin. And God Bless Your Family thru Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit, Amen. 

Sincerely,
Kevin

Bill Braniff was my closest friend in law school and was the person from whom I learned the most about critical thinking as a lawyer. He and I debated constantly about most current topics and though we had distinct ideas about human nature and its impact on the law, I respected, admired and cared for him deeply. His infuence on the practice of law is remarkable and permanent
Ramon Carrion

Bill Branniff was one of my supervisors and mentors at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.  The memory of his extraordinary professionalism, generosity and kindness will stay with me, and continue to inspire me, all of my life.  Please accept my deepest sympathies on his passing.

OBITUARY

William Braniff

July 8, 1941 – November 7, 2015

Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services