Peter Leroy Brantley

Peter Leroy Brantley, of Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, while surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Peter was the seventh of nine children born to Murray and Beatrice Brantley in Garnett, South Carolina on April 7, 1934. He was a part of the Great Black Migration North, landing in Springfield more than seven decades ago. Peter's southern hospitality roots and old-school values never left him once he settled North. He held tightly to those virtues, and they helped pave the way for his success as an entrepreneur in the Springfield community.
Peter retired from Smith and Wesson in 1995, after more than 20 years of work. But he wore many business hats, and his ambitious spirit always focused on connecting the community through opportunities, fellowship, and resources. He was president of HB&B Corporation, co-owner of Panache Banquet Hall, and manager of Big Boyz Social Club. He would often take advantage of his management role and play the music he loved most, especially "Turning Point" and "Turn Back the Hands of Time" by Tyrone Davis. As co-owner of Panache and manager of Big Boyz Social Club,
Peter provided a professional space for the community to commemorate milestones and occasions of all types. His venues have hosted hundreds of birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, funeral service repasses, holiday gatherings, fundraisers, retirement celebrations, concerts and more.
A man of action, Peter was known as a quiet soul who worked hard to make things happen for others and found joy in watching
the fruits of his labor provide comfort and fellowship. His business ventures earned the trust and respect of generations of community members, and he was widely known for generous heart, kind spirit and reassuring motto that "everything is everything." More than anything, Peter was known for the love he had for his family.
Peter was predeceased by his parents Murray and Beatrice Brantley and his sister Thelma Brantley. He was also predeceased by his brother Murray Jr. (Ethel Mae), his sister Inez (Major) Gadson, his sister Bessie (Enoch) Wilkins, his sister Isabelle Hosten and his brother Evans Cephus (Bernice) Brantley, all of Springfield, MA. He is also predeceased by his daughter Felicia Marshall and son Darrell Engram.
He leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Daniel (Vera) Brantley, of Springfield, MA and his sister Lucille Murphy of Wilbraham, MA. He leaves his children Evangeline Mitchell of Springfield, MA, Tonya Carter (Dedrick) of Allendale, South Carolina and Tyler Marshall of Springfield, MA. He leaves thirteen grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of family and friends to cherish his memory.