The following was written by Michael R. Brannen, III, in his own words prior to his passing on January 3, 2014 at the age of 64.

Michael R. Brannen, III of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Youngstown, NY, was born in Charleston, WV. He was the son of the late Michael R. Brannen, Jr., founder of Niacet Corporation in Niagara Falls, NY. Michael graduated from Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ and the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Michael held various positions in the fields of construction, design and engineering, working for Exxon in Denver, CO prior to joining his father at Niacet Corporation where he was employed for 20 years. Michael enjoyed reading, golf and singing. Michael sang in many church choirs in Western, NY, as well as St. Williams Church on St. Simons Island, GA where he performed in Handel's Messiah for many years. Michael also enjoyed making new friends, frequently putting a smile on the face of a stranger; however, his biggest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren.


Michael is survived by the great love of his life, his wife, MaryAnn DiGregorio-Brannen, daughters, Tara (Nate) Becker of Arlington, VA and Meghan (Danny) VanKlaveren of Scottsdale, AZ, grandchildren, Grace Brannen, Harry Olson, Rhys Olson, Molly VanKlaveren, Jack Robert VanKlaveren, Nora Holt and Emma Noel. He was the son-in-law of; Domenica (late Giovanni) DiGregorio of Niagara Falls, NY, brother-in-law of; Fernando (Stella) Cipollitti, Dante (Donna) Cipollitti, Janet (late Robert) DiGregorio, Antonio (Theresa) DiGregorio, Flora (Gregg) Travis, Joanne (Marc) Merino and Ricardo (Lisa) DiGregorio, Jennifer Maggio-Brannen and special niece Sicily Ann Brannen. He is also survived by several other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his brother; Patrick Brannen, and brothers-in-law; Pfc. Joseph DiGregorio, Robert DiGregorio and a very special nephew, Robert DiGregorio, II.

In the blink of an eye, everything can change, so forgive often and love with all your heart. You never know if you will have the chance again.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday January 18th at 12:00 noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S. officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, memorials may be made to Autistic Services, Inc., 4444 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221 or the American Cancer Society, Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057.