Walter James Brana

With deep sorrow and eternal love, we announce the passing of Walter James Brana, proud U.S. Air Force veteran, loving father, husband, and grandfather, faithful Catholic and an active member in the Knights of Columbus. He passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by family.

Walter was born in Trieste, Italy and raised in Stamford, Connecticut from the age of 5 until he graduated from Manhattan College. Walter’s youth led him into military service in 1973 and he served with dedication until 1993. Walter was a navigator on B-52s for the majority of his career, which was his pride and joy.

A man of strong Catholic faith, Walter’s belief in God guided him through life’s greatest joys and its deepest heartbreaks. Walter practiced his faith and regularly attended Mass up until his physical abilities limited him. As a Catholic, Walter found it important for all of his children to attend Catholic School through high school, to ensure the faith and values were instilled in them.

As a father to Alice, Rita, Mark, and Anthony, Walter’ s approach to family life was at times distant, however, he leaves behind children and grandchildren who carry forward memories of him.

He was a husband whose love showed in varying ways. Those who knew him best recall a man who lived on his own terms, sometimes to the bewilderment of those around him.

As a grandfather, he really loved his grandchildren. Any opportunity he got to spend time and entertain them with bad jokes or Bible Trivia, he took without hesitation.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents Marcello and Ludmila Brana and his in-laws J. Louis and Rita Rodriguez.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Carmen Brana (Rodriguez) who stayed strong by his side to the very end; his children, Alice (Danny Anderson), Rita (Donald Miller), Mark (Run Chen), and Anthony; and his grandchildren, Lindsey, Ashley, Carly, Brendon, Luke, Rebecca, and Mercedes. He is also remembered with love by his younger twin brother Lou Brana (Martha) and eight nieces and nephews.

To share any memories of Walter or to send a message of condolence to his family, please visit the guestbook below.