Allen Branning

Allen Branning, 95, of Beach Lake, PA passed peacefully into the loving arms of God and his beloved wife of 72 years, Margaret, just in time to celebrate her 95th birthday on December 30, 2020. Allen loved God, family and friends, “working hard to play hard,” living every moment to the fullest and “never going to bed angry.” 

Allen was born and raised on the family farm and was a lifelong resident of Beach Lake, PA. He attended and graduated from Damascus School in the same class as Margaret. There was a bit of contention between them at that time, as the boys were always deviling around and getting the whole class in trouble; however, it worked out in the end. 

Allen continued to work on the family farm but also started to work for the United States Postal Service at the office in Narrowsburg, NY as a clerk before becoming a Rural Letter Carrier for the Narrowsburg/Beach Lake Areas. He retired after 44 years of service. Allen then devoted his time to loving his wife and enjoying every minute spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Allen was a devoted parishioner at the Beach Lake United Methodist Church, where he served and headed up several committees throughout the years. He was a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers, Delaware Valley Grange #1564, Labor Grange #1063, Pomona Grange and State and National Granges. Allen was a director on the Wayne County Fair (WCF) Board, where he was responsible for the Grange Building and orchestrated the WCF Demolition Derbies for nearly 30 years. He loved the limelight. Allen was a member of the ACE Snowmobile Club and PA Lamplighters Camping Club. Camping was by far one of his most treasured activities as he surrounded himself with family and friends and enjoyed watching the good times roll. 

Allen had his own business, Allen Branning and Son, for approximately 65 years. He hauled coal, fertilizer, topsoil, logs and more. He loved playing in the dirt with his backhoe, making topsoil for Woodloch Springs, driving his MACK truck and taking care of business. Hence his quote, “Work hard to play hard.” 

Poppop never missed a game or special event. If his grandchildren or great-grandchildren were involved, he was there—Nana in one hand and chairs in the other. He loved playing card games with the family and sharing stories about past and present. The funniest thing was everyone loved listening to them over and over again—memories family and friends will not ever forget. 

Allen was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Gillow Branning; parents Grover and Lucy Branning of Beach Lake, PA; parents-in-law Vincent and Wilma Gillow of Equinunk, PA; sister Marcena and husband Doug Tompkins of Yorktown Heights, NY; brother-in-law Joe Budd of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law Edward Gillow of Delaware; and grandson Brian Keith Branning at birth. 

He is survived by two children: Sally Ann and husband Robert Roche of Honesdale, PA and Terry and wife Donna (Bates) Branning, of Beach Lake; grandchildren T.J. and wife Christine (Martin) Branning; Chad Branning, friend Shannon Lentz and son Ryan; Mike and wife Allecia (Rickard) Roche; and Jamie (Roche) and husband Kris Knecht; great-grandchildren Zach, Aviana and Raegan Branning; Aaron, Anna and Avery Branning; Korilyn, Greyson and Carver Roche; Wilson Knecht; and sisters Alice Druschen of Tennessee and Evelyn Budd of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law Albert and wife Flo of Berkshire, NY; and sister-in-law Dale Gillow of Delaware. 

Thank you to Wayne Memorial Hospital doctors, nurses and staff for their wonderful care of Allen and great concern for family members during these unprecedented times. A super special thanks to Denise and Linda; we can never repay you for all you have done for Poppop. 

There was an immediate family-only committal service on January 4, officiated by Senior Pastor John S. Banks of Tabernacle Bible Church, located at 455 Grove St. in Honesdale. 

Arrangements are being made by Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY (845/557-8010).