Curtis A. Branch Sr.

Curtis A. Branch Sr., 65, of Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre, passed away Tuesday at Birchwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Nanticoke, following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Port Chester, N.Y., on April 3, 1953, the son of the late Lee and Almeda Bardliving Branch. Curtis graduated from Port Chester High School and proudly served his county joining the U.S. Navy. Curtis was quite the athlete in his day. He was a champion swimmer in high school and also played football in the Empire Football League with the Scranton Eagles and with the local Outlaws flag football team. He attended the gym on a daily basis working out and lifting weights. Curtis was an avid music lover, especially jazz music. He was quite the accomplished musician, playing his alto sax whenever he could.

Curtis was employed as director of safety and security for Lowe's for several years.

Curtis was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Fisher Branch.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Bullock Branch, with whom he would have celebrated 30 years of marriage on April 3; children, Baraka, and his wife, Natalie; Curtis Jr.; Wendy; Jamie; Precious, and her husband, Matthew; Angel; Lacey; Duval; Gabrielle and fiance, Eddie; grandchildren, Alexcia, Jackson, Baraka Jr., Gabrielle, Hallie, Dystiny, Krystina, Elijah; Damir, Dametrius, Bryce, Tavian, Aurmoni, Daleah, Ahjanea, Avionna, Kurtis, Stacey, Blessing, Quincy and Akir; great-granddaughter, Ruby; brothers, Forrest and Lee Jr.; sisters, Stella, Barbara "Susie" and Charlotte; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Curtis would like to say thank you to all the nurses and doctors who cared for Curtis over the many years of his illness and special caregivers, Ray Holmes and his wife, Louise, and also Felicia and Ray Jr., for their care and compassion shown to him during his time of need.

Curtis was our "Legend" who endured polio as a child, suffered heart failure and needed a heart transplant. He was diagnosed with PLS, a debilitating and degenerative disease. Through all of that he never lost hope and persevered to achieve many great things he wanted and still provided love and support for his family. When faced with a challenge he always pushed forward. He is and will always remain our "HERO."

A blessing service will be held at noon Saturday from Kniffen O'Malley Leffler Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. Carol E. Coleman will officiate. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to service time. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Per the request of Curtis, all attendees should wear their favorite NFL team attire for the service. Eagles and Redskins fans need not attend (LOL). Go Cowboys, and how about that last game?! Cowboys 31 and Redskins 23. Ray, I will be on the sidelines rooting for the Jets, 1968 was 50 years ago, (but way to stick by your team). MY MAN!!