Daniel V. Brandi, Jr.

Daniel V. Brandi, Jr.  

Daniel V. Brandi, Jr. passed away suddenly at Ohio Health MedCentral in Mansfield, Ohio on Monday, October 21, 2019. Daniel was born to Wilma & Daniel Brandi, Sr. on February 14, 1939 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was raised in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated from Saginaw High School in 1957.

Following graduation, Daniel enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1961 and was stationed in South Carolina, Texas and Great Britain. He was also employed by the C & O Railroad as a fireman. Daniel was employed by Eaton Corporation as an engine component technician for 35 years and retired from the Proving Grounds in Marshall, Michigan in 2001. Daniel enjoyed all things related to cars and auto racing. His fondest memories were driving around in his 1967 Ford Fairlane with his family. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s activities & playing with his great granddaughter.

Since retirement, Daniel & his recently departed wife, Sherry, spent winters enjoying the Florida sunshine, most recently in Indiantown, Florida. Their summers were enjoyed in Marshall, Michigan.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sherry, who preceded him in death by six days.

Daniel and his sweetheart, Sherry Lou (Jewell), were married on September 12, 1964 at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Bridgeport, Michigan. They recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together they raised their children who survive him, Dan Brandi, III, (wife Jan) Stow, Ohio; Cathy Marquardt (husband Rich) Mansfield, Ohio; Lisa Gibbs (husband Mark) and Tony Brandi (wife Jodi) of Battle Creek, Michigan. Brothers David (Kathi) Brandi of Northville, Michigan; James (Fran) Brandi of Novi, Michigan; and sister Carol (Gary) Tasch of Traverse City, Michigan. Beloved "Bumpa" to grandchildren, Lindsey (Cody) Bassett, Allison (Nick) Gesink, Ana, Foster and Marissa Marquardt, and great granddaughter, Jacqueline Bassett. Daniel leaves behind many nephews, nieces and an abundance of close friends.

A Celebration of Life for both Daniel and Sherry Brandi will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Riverside Golf Club, 245 E. Columbia Avenue in Battle Creek, Michigan 49015. The family welcomes you to share special memories and stories with them.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Success Fund @ Marshall Public Schools c/o Marshall Community Fund , 614 Homer Road, Marshall, Michigan 49068 or online at http://marshallcf.wsiefusion.net/

Why Valentine's Day is Special To Me

As a kid, Valentine's Day was always very special in our house. It was also my Dad's birthday. So we celebrated Valentine's Day and my Dad's birthday. It made it extra special. My Dad always remembered to get us a valentine on that day, too. I remember feeling very special because he remembered me on his birthday. Happy Birthday Dad. We love you. A few pics, just for fun!

Dad on his first birthday. I cannot believe the clarity of this photo and how my grandmother baked him such a beautiful cake for his first birthday and then remembered to get a photo~there were not point & shoot cameras in those days! February 14, 1940

 Learning to "shoot" a gun with his father.

On his First Holy Communion. Dad has passed down his faith to his children and took us to church weekly (with Mom's help, of course!)

A trumpeteer, he also played the accordion and has a 45 of it somewhere!

Served his country in the Air Force. 

Is a fantastic dancer, which wooed my Mom off her feet!

Always fixing cars. My brother is not even a year old. Cannot imagine how my Mom felt about her brand new concrete being stained with car grease. BTW, is that car done yet???

Dad on the left, with his brothers, rocking the side burns and mustache with a Sgt. Pepper jacket. 

circa 1971

Always putting a baby to sleep and catching a quick z himself! This is my youngest brother Tony. 

Supporting us through all of our endeavors. Congratulating my brother on a good swim, while being a timer. Back then the timers had to wear their "timing whites".

Loving on his granddaughter, Allie, with my Mom.

A Ford man and a big time racing fan, before racing was so commercial. If there is a race on tv, Dad is tuned in. Drove us a bit nuts, but he is consistent!

Teaching Foster how to shoot a bb gun safely. 

Taking in his favorite team, the Detroit Tigers. They were always playing on the radio in the garage, when I was a  kid. Pictured here with my sister Lisa, niece Lindsey, Dad and brother in law Mark. 

Spending time poolside. But not in the deep end. Shallow end only!

Always taking photographs. Always. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! 

(my Mom's favorite saying!)

And one of my favorite pictures of my Dad. Hanging out on a boat.

Thanks for always being there for us Dad. Through the toddler years, the homework, the swim meets, the snowmobiling nights, the practicing of instruments, the baseball games, the kite flying, the mini bikes & go karts, the car issues, the road trips to Florida in the Econoline, the relationships of our teen years, the driving lessons, the graduations, the walk down the aisle, the letting go of us so we could become adults, and watching us become parents and going through the same. Happy Birthday Dad. You are a rare one: warm, honest, kind, faithful, gentle, funny, and loving. 

Much love to you on your special day!

~Cathy~

linking up with Debbie at her Newbie Party