It is with great sorrow that the family of William D. Branon announces his passing at the age of 82. Bill was born in Newport, Vermont, and spent his early years on his family's farm in Fairfield. As the second of eight children in a large, close-knit Irish family, Bill's upbringing was rooted in strong family values and hard work. He attended a one-room schoolhouse where his mother, Mary, was the teacher. From a young age, Bill contributed to the farm, particularly during maple sugaring season. Those early years and the beauty of Vermont remained a source of fond memories throughout his life.

Bill attended St. John's High School in Plattsburgh, NY, where his father, Barry, served as both Principal and a distinguished Coach. After spending two years in the seminary, Bill graduated from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont. It was during this time that a priest pointed out that the dedication needed to become a priest was also required to be an FBI Special Agent—a suggestion that immediately sparked Bill's interest.

He took that advice to heart and embarked on a long and distinguished career with the FBI. He initially worked as a clerical employee while attending law school at Catholic University, eventually becoming a Special Agent. It was at this time, that he met his wife Stephanie Simon, also an FBI employee and daughter of a retired FBI agent.

Over the years, his assignments took him to FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, and field offices in Louisville, Norfolk, Richmond, and Albuquerque. In 1988, Bill was appointed Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland office, a role he truly loved. After retiring as Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division, he returned to Cleveland and remained deeply involved in law enforcement including his long-standing service on the Board of Crimestoppers of Cuyahoga County.

Bill also served as a Director of The J. Edgar Hoover Foundation, eventually becoming Chairman of the Board. The Foundation, dedicated to preserving the legacy of FBI Director Hoover, the father of modern law enforcement, provided scholarships to deserving college and university students pursuing degrees in law enforcement and forensic sciences. This role allowed Bill to further his lifelong commitment to supporting the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Outside of Bill's distinguished law enforcement career, his greatest joy was his family. Known lovingly as B-DADA to his eight grandchildren—a nickname born when his first grandchild, Carly, mercifully shortened his desired title of "Big Daddy"—he treasured every moment spent with them. On family holiday trips to Ford Field and the River Club in Savannah, Bill created cherished memories by inducting each grandchild into "B-DADA's Kiss-A-Fish Club." While some were less than thrilled to kiss a fish they had just caught (with a little help from B-DADA), they proudly received a T-shirt for their bravery. During these vacations, his intricate scavenger hunts, which he spent months preparing, were a source of endless fun and excitement for the whole family. Simply put, B-DADA was the life of every family gathering!

Despite facing physical challenges over the past decade, Bill's determination and resilience never wavered—he simply kept moving forward. As the eldest of the Branon family, he proudly attended the 2022 Branon Family Reunion, which brought together over 400 relatives. His storytelling, filled with memories of the "old days," left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance and created cherished memories for generations to come.

This summer, Bill organized a fishing trip and family gathering in his beloved Vermont. As a special surprise, he gifted his closest family members with copies of his self-published book, If You Are Interested, a collection of stories from his life. It was a heartfelt gesture that captured his legacy, allowing his loved ones to share in the memories and experiences that shaped him.

Bill is survived by his wife and best friend of 57 years, Stephanie; his daughter, Jennifer Branon of Charlotte, NC; his son, Ryan (Nicole) Branon of Westlake, OH; and his cherished grandchildren, Carly, Abby, Will, Matthew, and Connor Quarm, and Erin, Douglas, and Matthew Branon. He is also survived by his sisters, Roseanne (Corky) Corrado and Kathy (Keith) Stark, and his brother, Terry (Michelle) Branon. Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Martin, Kevin, and Michael, and his sister, Gracemary. He was a beloved uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Funeral Mass Saturday, October 5, St. Raphael Church (525 Dover Center Rd.) at 10:30 AM. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Mass will be livestreamed http://tiny.cc/wbranon . Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS FRIDAY 3-6 PM.

A memorial service will be held next summer at St. Patrick's Church in Fairfield, Vermont, following a visit to his childhood fishing camp at Hinkum Pond.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Samaritan's Purse or the Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Helene.