Reverend Dr. John E. Brandon

Rev. Dr. John E. Brandon (Pastor Brandon) was a beacon and an inspiration to family, friends, and neighbors throughout his years of pastoral ministry. His light shined bright as he began his ministry as a full-time pastor in Bermuda. He was a pastor of three churches during his time in Bermuda: Allen Temple AME Church, Vernon Temple AME Church, and Bright Temple AME Church.

After serving the churches in Bermuda, he was transferred to Cambridge, Massachusetts where he was pastor of St. Paul's AME Church. After about four years as pastor at St. Paul's, he was appointed as Associate General Secretary of the Consultation on Church Union (Princeton, NJ). After completing his term as General Secretary of the Consultation on Church Union, he was appointed as pastor of Emanuel AME Church in New York City (Harlem). Upon completion of serving as pastor of Emanuel AME Church, his bishop at that time appointed him as President of Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.

When his term as President of Payne Theological Seminary was completed, he served as Commissioner of Human Rights, appointed by Mayor Ed Koch. After serving as Commissioner of Human Rights in New York City, he became pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in New York City (Harlem). After completing his term as pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, he returned to city government as a commissioner and advisor after which he became Executive Project Director of the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.

Upon completing his time with the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, he became pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Dobbs Ferry. After serving as pastor of Aldersgate, he was transferred to Fisk United Methodist Church in Natick, Massachusetts for two years, then returned to New York as pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Brooklyn, New York. After serving as pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, the next two churches that he served as pastor were: Golden Hill United Methodist Church and Asbury United Methodist Church. After completing his term at Asbury United Methodist Church, he was appointed to Bellport United Methodist Church in Long Island. While serving as pastor of Bellport United Methodist Church he performed "service beyond the local church" as a Federal Government work-related mediator.

Pastor Brandon retired from Bellport United Methodist Church and he and his family moved to their retirement home in Liberty, NY. During his retirement, he served as pastor of Mongaup Valley United Methodist Church in Bethel, NY for three years after which he retired fully from active pastoring.

What a grand adventure Mrs. Brandon and her sons, Micah and Marcus, had during the all the years of Pastor Brandon's active pastoral ministry. What beauty and delight came into their lives through Jiefang, Micah's wife and their daughter, Kalliste. It is our prayer that the light which shined bright when Pastor Brandon began his ministry in Bermuda will continue to shine in the hearts of all who met him throughout his more than 50 years of pastoral ministry.

He was preceded in death by his parents Busha and Edmonia Brandon, one sister: Betty Brandon Nixon, and two brothers: Arthur Brandon and Phillip (H.P.) Brandon. He leaves to cherish his memory two sisters: Jean Brandon Morman (Kevin) and Rolanda Brandon Brill (Bill) and two brothers: Earl Brandon (Patricia) and Robert Brandon (Elvina) and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 11am to 12pm at VanInwegen Kenny Funeral Home, located at 401 Broadway, Monticello, NY. Immediately followed by a Funeral Service beginning at 12pm with Reverend Noel Chin presiding. Burial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Pinelaw Memorial Park, Long Island, NY. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.