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Stephen R. "Buzz" Brandon
Stephen R. "Buzz" Brandon
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Buzz was a 1966 graduate of McDowell High School, where he was an impressive athlete. He was a longtime supporter of McDowell Athletics and was inducted to the school's Hall of Fame in 2010. After high school, he was drafted and sent to Vietnam, where he was awarded a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Medal, Air Combat Medal and two Army Commendation Medals. Upon return, he attended Mercyhurst College, and played on the first basketball and baseball teams at the school. Buzz captained the baseball team, lettering three years, and leading the team in triples, homeruns, and runs batted in. He was later active in rec basketball and became one of Erie's greatest fast-pitch softball stars, where he played on several championship teams over a 22-year career. His athletic achievements led to his induction to the PA Sports Hall of Fame, Metro Erie Chapter in 2017. Brandon was a deputy sheriff for Erie County and retired in 2010 after a 35-year law enforcement career.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Peggy Brandon and Patricia Tomczak, and a brother, Dan Brandon; and a granddaughter, Caroline Coleman.
He is survived by two daughters, Carla Rauch, husband Sean, and Taylor Coleman, husband Dustin; grandchildren, Liam Rauch, and Mack and Ronni Coleman; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd, on Tuesday, July 30 from 3-7 pm. A brief service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family c/o Brugger Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob Johnson
July 31, 2024
I played with and against Steve Brandon in Baseball and Fastpitch Softball. He was a truly Great Player, a Slick Fielder and a Clutch Hitter. What I loved most about Steve was his Positive Attitude. He was always Smiling and Joking. He liked to play Tricks on his Friends. After you had just been Pranked by Steve, you were very angry, and wanted to get a measure of revenge. Then, you saw that Big Grin on his Face, and would just start Laughing. My message to Steve is for him to save a Spot for me on Shoeless Joe´s Baseball Team in Heaven. Your Good Friend, Bob Johnson
Doug sipple
July 30, 2024
Off the bankboard and recatch it and shoot. Great basketball memories loved you man. Bye buzz miss your witt and smile. Doug sipple
Steve Albert
July 29, 2024
I met Steve in the summer of 1971 when the first men's basketball team at Mercyhurst met for the first time. I was a young, green 18 year old freshman & Buzz was the "old" 23 year old point guard. He took me under his wing & taught me how to manage studies & athletics. He was truly the big brother I never had. Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed dearly. God Bless you & the entire Brandon family.
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Tammy
July 29, 2024
Buzz was an amazing man I looked forward to going to work to see that SMILE!!!!!
RIP Buzz
Tammy
July 29, 2024
Buzz was an amazing man I always looked forward to coming to work to see that beautiful smile of his. This day was a fun filled day at Springhill RIP my friend
Bob mitchell
July 28, 2024
Stevie was a great guy and Deputy. He was closer friend of my sister Linda Mitchell Wagner. They were life long buddies. School and athletics.
RIP "Buzz" . You are in Gods hands
Diana Santone
July 27, 2024
Steve was a great neighbor we spent many times together with our kids. He lived life to the fullest. My favorite memory is playing Password by his firepit in the dark. Our kids watching movies together. Carla and Taylor I am so sorry for your loss. I love you and be praying for your families!
Ken MacIsaac
July 27, 2024
Ken MacIsaac
I had the privilege of watching Stevie play basketball throughout his Junior and senior years at Westlake and McDowell High School respectfully. Stevie was a terrific athlete and one of my all-time favorite players in Millcreek History. I worked with Stevie for many years while he was a member of the Erie County Sheriff's Dept. and I in Adult Probation. He was one of the really good people who worked in the courthouse. I was proud to know him.
As a Vietnam Era Veteran myself, I salute and honor his service and commitment to our country. RIP my friend ! Well deserved.
My condolences to his family.
Maria
July 27, 2024
After high school, I worked at Springhill Senior Living and met Buzz. Such a wonderful man. I miss him.
Jack Maloney
July 26, 2024
Stevie was a friend of my brother, Tim for decades, on and off the basketball court and even during military time! I knew him in my career with Adult Probation, and Stevie carried out his duties professionally , was courteous to those appearing before a judge, etc.He was a true character and now is fielding grounders in heaven. Rest in peace.
David (Stosh)
July 26, 2024
I met Steve when I came to Erie to play basketball at Gannon. We played many years on basketball and softball teams. He was a great friend and I will deeply miss him! Condolences to his family !
Joe Ward
July 26, 2024
Steve was absolutely one of the greatest fast pitch softball players and competitors in the history of Erie softball, and such a gentleman off the field.Always had to be your best against Steve, cause he was the best. Such great memories of all the games over the many years. It was a great honor to compete and share the field with you.Rest in peace Buzz. J. Joe Ward Wienczkowski
Laurie Vorse
July 26, 2024
I met Buzz when he was playing City Rec fastpitch. We became friends and stayed in touch for quite a few years. He was a great guy a wonderful person who had a smile for everyone. He will be missed greatly.
Norine Blount
July 26, 2024
I was privileged to know Steve and experience his extensive experience in law enforcement. A perfect balance of empathy and enforcement of his duties. A unique individual respected by many. Rest in Eternal Glory Steve
John Loomis
July 26, 2024
Taylor, Carla and Family, my sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. I had the privilege to have worked with Steve for over twenty years. He was a good deputy and a great leader and supervisor but most of all, a great friend. Buzz always had a sense of humor second to none and you just never knew when he would strike! He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Buzzy and GO BROWNS BUZZY
Kerry Kruise
July 26, 2024
RIP, Buzz. I met you when I was a lower Eastside kid hanging around the city rec games, and it was a pleasure to see you in adulthood when we both worked on the 4th floor of the courthouse. I'm sure you're still spreading smiles in the next life.
Tim Maloney
July 26, 2024
I have known Stevie for over 60 years. Enjoyed playing with him on YMCA Rec league basketball team for several years. He was the NICEST person you could ever meet. I will never forget his ever present smile and pure caring for others. Rest in peace Buzz. You earned it.
Tim Maloney
Erie Pa
Robert Gloekler
July 26, 2024
Condolences to the Brandon Family
I played sports with Buzz and Bobby Wheeler in my younger
days. Many great memories. My deepest sympathy.
Bob Gloekler
Ormond Beach, FL
Fate Harris
July 26, 2024
R.I.P.Buzz you were a good friend, and a great athlete I had the privilege to play with basketball with you.
Fate Harris
Tommy Haight
July 26, 2024
RIP Buzz. What a great guy and awesome competitor you were. Always looked forward to competing on the ball field and sharing a couple beers afterwards. Rest easy
Amy Francis
July 26, 2024
We love you Uncle!
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1595 West 38th St., Erie, PA 16508
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