Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Neal Branch Obituary
BRANCH, 54
WINTER HAVEN - Neal Alan Branch died Thursday, August 6, at Winter Haven Hospital due to cardiac arrest. He was 54.
Neal was born June 18, 1955 at Winter Haven Hospital to Lawrence Branch, Sr. and Nona Branch. Neal was a very civic minded individual participating in many activities. He was a former member of St. Josephs Church where he was on the financial board and education committee before transferring to Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales where he was a Lectern and a Eucharistic Minister. A devoutly dedicated Catholic, he attended 7:00 AM mass every day.
He was formerly associated with Polk Works, a former Lodge 1672 Elk and received his Eagle Scout pin at an early age, and attended Philmont Scout Camp. He was a current board member of Theater Winter Haven and Ridge Art Association, and at the time of his death was associated with Sage Point Financial Services and a representative of Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, and was a former Vice President of Ingram Financial Group, and was a graduate of Florida Southern College.
Neal is survived by his son Jonathan Dane Branch (27), and mother Nona Gerlach of Winter Haven, brother Gary (Linda) Branch of Arlington, TX, sisters Carole Frost of Winter Haven, Laura (Ben) Girtman of Tallahassee, Linda (Bob) Guzowski, and Godson Tommy Guzowski of Huntsville, AL. Neal was predeceased by his son Stuart Alan Branch, brother Lawrence Steven Branch, fathers Lawrence Branch, Sr. and George Gerlach, grandmothers Gladys Craig Cole and Gladys Branch, grandfathers Lawrence C. Branch, Sr. and Tip Cole.
Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 6 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. Funeral Mass will be Monday, 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park. Flowers welcome, or donations to Theatre Winter Haven, or Ridge Art Association. Condolences to the family can be sent to:
www.oakridgefuneralcare.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neal Branch
Rodney Pyle
August 11, 2009
Neal was a very good man and friend! We had some good times together and they will never be forgotten. Lord please bless the family during these sad and hard times.
Ginny Wolf VantHof
August 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Neal's family. I knew Neal growing up in school and he was always such a sweet nice guy! I think everyone loved him alot! Neal, you are in God's arms now!
August 11, 2009
Gary,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time...May God bring you peace and comfort. Pat Wagner(Lakeland)
Jerry Smith
August 11, 2009
Neal was a friend. He hired me to work with him at Ingram Financial Group. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I enjoyed my association with him.I I offer the family my condolences and my prayers.
Cathi Covert
August 10, 2009
Dear Nona and family,
I remember when my brother Randy was dating Linda Gerlach and they introduced me to Neal, My first crush!! I think we were 14...That smile was unforgetable. Nona, you have done an amazing job raising all your children. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cathi Harris Covert
Leah Ackley-Pippin
August 10, 2009
To the Branch and Gerlach Families,
I'm sadden by the loss of one my childhood friends and remember all the fun time we enjoyed growing up together in Biltmore Shores. My prayers are with his family and may the Lord bring peace and comfort to those left behind.
Gina Tibitts
August 10, 2009
Dear Branch Family,
Neal was a great Man, a kind heart, and a gentle soul. I had the pleasure of calling him Uncle Neal. I am truly blessed that I was able to enjoy his company during Thanksgiving. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Cathie Smith
August 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. May your memories give you comfort and peace.
Cathie, Ryan and Derek Moore
Rose Backus
August 10, 2009
Dear family of Neal,
I was so sorry about Neal. A great person and a friend to every one. I will miss seeing him at the 7 am Mass every morning.
you are all in my Prayers.
Rose
Kim Merrill
August 10, 2009
Dear Branch/Gerlach family,
My heart goes out to your family at this time and in the days ahead. I will always remember your son, brother and my wonderful friend, May he rest in peace.
Jill Lindvall
August 9, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Neal's passing. We both worked at Exchange Bank in our 20s and were friends outside the office. I will cherish memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Holden
August 9, 2009
God Bless Neal Branch. He was your servant! I will miss his smile and his Good heartedness. Thank you ,Lord for giving us our time with him here and rush him to your side!
Ean Bartholomew
August 9, 2009
I am sorry to hear about Neal, he was always a good guy.
I was on Biltmore Drive this week and remembered us all as children.
Thinking of you . . . ean
Shelley Vermillion
August 9, 2009
Dear Branch and Gerlach family,
It's very difficult to loose a brother as I have experienced as well. I'm so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. I to remember many days of us all playing in Biltmore Shores and just growing up together those many years ago.
All of you are in my prayers. God be with you......
Shelley Jones Vermillion
Patti Pierce Young
August 9, 2009
Dear Branch/Gerlach family,
I was so sorry to hear about Neal. I remember many days of us all playing in Biltmore Shores. We sure had some great times.
I know that Neal will be greatly missed by his family and the community. You will all be in my prayers.
Love,
Randy Harris
August 9, 2009
Dear Nona and family,
I want you all to know how terribly sorry I am to hear about Neal. All of you are like a family to me and I wish I was there to be of some comfort. Cathi just called me this morning of the news and I feel your loss. The wonderful memories of Neal are with me and I am taking time to reflect all the great times.
Neal was a very special guy,(like a little brother when I spent time at your home)and he will be greatly missed by you and the community he served.
Nona, please know you, Linda, Carole, Laura and Gary are in my prayers.
Love,
Randy Harris
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Neal Branch's name
Memorial Events
for Neal Branch
Funeral services provided by:
Oak Ridge Funeral Care - Winter Haven2425 Havendale Boulevard Northwest, Winter Haven, FL 33881
How to support Neal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Neal Branch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
