Nicholas A. Branca

I knew Nick at Columbia University, where we lived across the hall from one another in the married student dorms. In fact, we were like one family. Those were heady days, when our common activity was 2:00 AM visits to the Orange Julius stand on 110th street. That's how I will always remember Nick, engaging company on a warm early morning, filled with laughter, ideas, and wonder.

Years, no decades ago, I was probably destined to be one of those math teachers who simply placed pages numbers with "do the odds" next to it. It was during the summer institutes that my heart and brain was ignited to teach and learn math differently. I learned how to deal with and love children while teaching math through Dr. Lola May. I learned to share my love of mathematics enthusiastically under the Dr. Nick. Heaven received another great math tutor.

By His grace and for His glory,

My heartfelt condolences to the Branca family. I was a teacher participating in the SDMP back in the late 1980's. I attended the summer workshops, where, for the first time, positive and negative numbers and operations involving them became "real". I went on the Lake Arrowhead retreats twice and can't even begin to relate the excitement Dr. Branca inspired involving math problems (i.e. banquet table) not to mention the fun we all had. He was a fantastic teacher and I feel honored and...

Mrs Branca, Nick, Melanie, and, Marissa,
I sincerely hope you all are doing well. I have such fond memories of time with your family - I spent quite a bit of my "formidable" years with you -MANY life experiences!!!!
It was great to hear about you all when I saw Nick at our Gompers reunion. I still get sad when I think about your dad and his passing.
Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to make it down to be at the Zoo this upcoming weekend but please know that my thoughts are...

We wish to express our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Nicholas Branca. We knew Nicholas only a short time, but we will always remember his kindness, his unwavering patience, and his wonderful smile. Such a joy to have known Nicholas! And to you, Nicholas: In your honor and to always remember the wonderful times we had with you at our home, today we have planted a beautiful Royalty Apple Tree on the front corner of our house and blue Forget-Me-Nots under the Mulberry Tree. ...

I had the pleasure of having Dr. Branca as a professor at SDSU. I am currently teaching in California and know my students greatly benefit from the knowledge I absorbed through this amazing man and his wife. Anyone who knew Dr. Branca benefitted from such.

Dr. Branca was one of those rare professors who brought fresh thought to experienced teachers. His clarity of communication was evidence of a fine mind that had been challenged by his personal commitment to understand it all so that all may understand. Although I was under Dr. Branca's "care" for only two summers, he lives alongside others in my life for whom I thank God for touching me so richly.

I was honored the first time I met Mr. Branca. I felt like I already knew him from his daughter, Marissa. We went to school at SCPA and we always heard about Marissa's parents and how gifted and intelligent they are. When I came to the Math Department at the SDUSD in 2004, I felt truly honored to meet Mr. Branca. He will truly be missed by the Mathematics community. My blessings and prayers go out to the family and loved ones.

dear poppop, i love you soo much, you were the best grandpa a kid could ever have...i couldnt have asked for anything more....thank you for writing that song for me...this way i will always be able to hear your voice...i love you soo much
love,
your first grandchild brennan branca