Bartram Chase Branch

Bartram Chase Branch left this world on July 25, 2017 at the Hospice facility in Merrimack, N.H. where his personality, humor, and kindness was known to all. He was born in Manchester, N.H. on September 13, 1925 to Oliver W. Branch, who was Chief of the New Hampshire Supreme Court and Isabelle Hogle Branch. He was the youngest of five children, and graduated from Central High School at the age of sixteen. When World War II was starting he was too young to join the regular military, so he joined the Merchant Marines delivering supplies to Europe. After returning home he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a tail gunner on a B24 Liberator with the 15th Air Force stationed in Italy where he flew a full 50 missions. His son Bradshaw wrote and produced a documentary entitled "On the Wing" which described his father's squadron's harrowing experiences during this period.

Returning home he attended UNH completing a year of undergraduate work at the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He then graduated from UNH with a Degree in History. He went on to receive a Law Degree from Harvard Law School in 1952. Bart held an associate position at what became the Wiggin and Nourie Law Firm. He then became a partner in the Law Firm of Devine, Millimet, Stahl and Branch where he remained until his retirement in 1990.

He served as a Manchester School Board member for four years and was associated with the Elliot Hospital Volunteers for many years. He was the Clerk of the Brookside Congregational Church, and he belonged to various other organizations.

Tennis was his passion and he played competitively at Sudden Pitch Tennis and Swim Club with his family. He last played tennis at the age of 85 with his children and grandchildren in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where he spent his winters.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, children, Deirdre Branch, Bradshaw C. Branch, Bartrum C. Branch, Jr., Esquire and his wife Wendy Nixon Branch, Esquire, and Dr. Hilary Branch and wife Pixie Plummer. Also, Susan Leppala and her husband Tom Leppala, Patrick Roddy, and Michael Roddy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua Glazier and his wife Courtney, Morgan Glazier, Jacqueline Pines, Samuel Pines and Bradshaw Pines. Also grandchildren Eric Leppala and Ryan Roddy. He leaves great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He enjoyed a close relationship with his brother-in-law Francis Gencarelli and his wife Jane and their children, and also his nephew Peter Branch.

There will be no calling hours. Bartram will be honored with a Military Burial at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice. To view Bartram's Online Tribute, to send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.