Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Malcolm Branch Obituary
Mal was very involved in the local community serving on several boards including the American Red Cross, the NATO Festival, the Greater Norfolk Corporation & chaired the Norfolk Branch of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. He was a Rotarian, a member of Delta Upsilon, his national college fraternity & an Eagle Scout. Finally, he was a Commissioner at Norfolk International Airport & recently served as Chairman.
Mal is survived by his wife Nancy Watson Branch & brothers David & Richard. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., November 5th at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, with a reception immediately following the Service at the Martin Mansion, 524 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk.
www.vacremationsociety.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm Branch
Sponsored by the family.
D. Schrader
August 5, 2025
Capt. Branch was the Skipper of GW when I was onboard. I was an MA2, and was in charge of taking guys to Captain's Mast when they crossed lines. What I remember about Capt. Branch was that he was firm, but fair. He saw the human side of the sailors and treated us as such. Probably one of the two best CO's I had between two branches of service and 22 combined years. Fair winds and following seas, Captain Branch.
Mark Leftridge
July 17, 2024
Captain Branch was my first duty XO on the USS George Washington CVN-73. He later returned as my 3rd Commanding Officer. He should have retired as an Admiral. Fair winds and following seas. We have to watch now sir...Rest up
Linda KLOCK Fields
September 1, 2023
Mrs. Branch, I quite accidentally happened upon Captain Branch´s obituary. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. I learned so much from both of you as an
Ombudsman onboard the GW. Thank you to both of you for your kindness, patience and support for all of the GW crew members, families and friends during the time my husband was stationed onboard and while I was an Ombudsman. It still has been one of the best jobs I´ve ever had. My prayers and condolences for the Branch family. Sincerely, Linda KLOCK Fields
Howie Cohen
August 31, 2023
I was on the Mount Whitney serving as ships company. Capt. Branch was a kind person. He gave me an opportunity when others looked the other way. My service and my career following would not have been possible without him. I am sorry to see he has passed.
John Kindred
April 28, 2023
Captain Branch was the GW Skipper and I was his Air Boss. I really appreciated his leadership and am sorry/surprised he passed. My sympathies to you, Nancy.
Mike Gooding
April 21, 2023
Mal was a great friend, outstanding USS GW captain, and plank-owning founder of the Va. Ship Repair Association. Always very kind to me, and I am very sorry to belatedly learn of his passing. God bless all who loved him.
Maurice Clemons
April 9, 2023
Captain Branch was my favorite CO of the George Washington and will always be my captain, rest in peace sir.
Nielson Annette und Manfred
December 11, 2022
Sorry to hear from your lost. We will miss him.
Annette und Manfred NieLson, Germany
Hank Scherf
November 19, 2022
Nancy, so sorry to hear of Mal´s passing. I remember those times in Lemoore and on the Kitty Hawk. Hope you are doing well. With sympathies, Hank
Patrick Laper
November 9, 2022
Sorry to hear of Mals passing. What an excellent life he had. To be expected from a true scholar and gentleman. We enjoyed great and fun times at the Univ. of Wisconsin. God Bless him and his family.
Pat Laper
David Herzer
November 8, 2022
I am saddened to learn today of Mal´s passing, what a troubling surprise. I had looked forward to talking with him to catch up on his politics, but it will have to wait until I join him. He was so much more than just a member of Delta Upsilon, to his Madison Chapter and the International Board of Directors as well. I fondly recall Nancy, meeting you for the 1st time when I recruited Mal as speaker for an Annual alumni Dinner. He regaled everyone with feats of daring do as Captain of the nuclear aircraft carrier, George Washington. What an achievement and what an experience for all of us to know a guy like him.
May you find peace in your sorrow and joy in knowing he will steer the Lord with an even hand.
David Herzer, Wisconsin 1954
Bob Nutwell
November 1, 2022
We are deeply saddened to learn of Mal's passing. We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Nancy and to Mal's family. Bob & Lynn
Blythe Scott
October 31, 2022
Nancy, although our hearts are heavy we are truly looking forward to celebrating Mal's life and legacy. May the Lord bless you and keep you during this time of sorrow. From all of the Scotts - Blythe, Simon, Ashley, Davis & Jessica
Barry & Peggy Pollara
October 30, 2022
Nancy, Please accept our condolences in Mal's passing. He was a very fine man. We worked together with you in doing good for the community. He did a lot for the ship repair industry. We were dismayed at his death.
David V Park
October 30, 2022
Nancy, Rita and I will always remember the kindness both of you showed to us as we followed you around Navy Bases in California. You both set the standard for hosting and social skills and showed people the correct way to do things gracefully. Very Respectfully, Dave and Rita Park
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Malcolm Branch's name
Memorial Events
for Malcolm Branch
How to support Malcolm's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Malcolm Branch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
