JOHN R. BRANCA

BRANCA--Honorable John R., 86, of Deerfield Beach, FL passed away on July 17, 2010. Branca served as the Mt. Vernon, NY Recreation Commissioner from 1962-1981, New York State Assemblyman from 1980-1984, and thereafter Chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission. A star pitcher for AB Davis High School in Mt. Vernon, he was undefeated during his high school varsity career and pitched two no-hitters. In his senior year, he was named the New York State Player of the Year, and lead AB Davis to the New York State Championship. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, and also played ball where he again pitched a no-hitter. He received his undergraduate and master's degrees from New York University, and before becoming Recreation Commissioner, he served as a teacher and coach at Mt. Vernon Edison High School. As Recreation Commissioner, his recreation programs, and his programs specially designed for the handicapped, the disabled, and the elderly, were innovative and were cited by President Kennedy as a model for other communities. As New York State Athletic Commissioner, he brought championship boxing back to Madison Square Garden and instituted national reforms. He is the older brother of Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Ralph Branca. He is survived by his wife, Mildred, and children, John G. Branca, William J. Branca, and Angela Guerra. His son, John Branca, a prominent entertainment attorney, serves as Co-Executor of the Michael Jackson Estate. He is survived by grandchildren, Jessica, Katherine, John Connor, and Dylan Branca. Entombment will take place in Boca Raton, FL, and a memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn, Glendale, CA.