Claude Ray Browning, 86, of
Huntington Beach, California, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. Born on December 26, 1939, in
Price, Utah, Claude lived a life defined by love, dedication, and quiet strength. He was a devoted father to his daughter Dolores and a proud, loving grandfather to Brooke and Colton, who were the light of his life.
Dad was a hardworking and steadfast man who spent more than 50 years as an optical technician. He took great pride in his work and was respected for his leadership, precision, commitment, and expertise. No matter how demanding his responsibilities, his family always came first, and he never missed an opportunity to show up for the people he loved.
Though Dad never sought the spotlight, his life deserves to be celebrated and honored. He lived with integrity, kindness, generosity, and consistency, offering unwavering love to those around him. His quiet presence, strong values, and dependable nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
One of Dad's greatest joys was watching his grandchildren participate in sports-whether it was soccer, field hockey, or track. He was always their number one fan. You would always find him on the sidelines, faithfully cheering them on. When he was not on the pitch, he was working on his 1,000-piece puzzles. His dedication, encouragement, and steady support will forever be remembered by those he loved most.
Claude is survived by his daughter Dolores; his grandchildren Brooke and Colton; his son-in-law Alessio; his nephews Anthony and Steve; his nieces Dianne and Christina; and many family members and friends who will miss him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Frances; his nephew Rudy; his parents; his sister Loretta; his brother Curtis; his brother-in-law Aniello; his sisters-in-law Olivia, Dolores, and Elsa; and his brothers-in-law Gene and Freddy.
A funeral service will be held on February 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Heritage Dilday Funeral Home, 17911 Beach Blvd,
Huntington Beach, CA 92647. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local organization that supports children, reflecting Dad's love for his grandchildren and future generations.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he gave so freely, and the memories we will cherish forever. His presence will be deeply missed, but his love will remain with us always.