Donald L. “Branny” Branstetter
Donald L. “Branny” Branstetter, 93, of Chester Hill, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at UPMC Altoona.
Donald was born on May 7, 1928, in Tyrone, a son of the late Joseph H. and Virginia (Beck) Branstetter.
Donald was a 1946 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School. He also attended the 
Pittsburgh Mechanical Engineering School of Science. He served with the US Army during the Korean War era.
Donald was first employed with the former Bradford Coal Company, Bigler, as a payroll and purchasing agent before being promoted to the position of assistant to the president. Donald then accepted a position with the Gulf Oil Corporation as the sales manager to oversee the entire northeastern United States region.
Later in his career, Donald was the manager of the Mid-State Airport during the period of time that the Army National Guard and Civil Air Patrol were stationed there.
Donald was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Philipsburg. He was also a member of the Philipsburg American Legion, Post #437; a past member of the B.P.O.Elks #1173, Philipsburg; and he had served on the Mid State Airport Authority Board from April 1990 until September 2020.
Donald was married on September 11, 1948, in Winchester, Virginia, to the former Patricia L. “Pat” Ross, who preceded him in death on December 15, 1999.
He was also preceded in death by one brother, J. Robert “Bob” Branstetter; and a son-in-law, Gary Lee “Kip” Barnett.
Donald is survived by his two dearly beloved daughters, Lori B. Croft (Nevin), of Clearfield and Lisa D. Barnett, of State College; five grandchildren: Tyler Croft (Samantha), of Waterloo, Iowa, Brooke Louden (Jonathan), of Lewes, Delaware, Brittany Fulton (Randy), of Danville, Casey Barnett (Jamey), of Big Sky, Montana and Miranda Goodson (Mark), of College Park, Maryland; 14 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Robert Branstetter (Joy), who was like a son to him; and his devoted companion, Jean Clinton Burton, with whom he shared the last twenty years. Both Donald and Jean had a great fondness for their dog, Chloe.
Donald had a great passion for flying. He completed his first solo flight in 1945 while still in high school. He attended flight and ground school in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and received his pilot’s license in 1950. He owned numerous aircraft throughout his lifetime; he was a 60 year member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; and a Golden Years Member of the Silver Wings Fraternity.
He also loved to travel by train as a child. He enjoyed telling stories of traveling throughout the United States with his parents and brother, Bob.
Donald was an avid skier, and had been a member of the Rattlesnake Mountain Ski Club and the ski patrol at Black Moshannon State Park. He provided his family with numerous fun and memorable ski trips.
Donald was also a gifted and accomplished pianist and entertainer. He played the piano for many years for the Four Kings Dance Band; and he also had a solo career that featured him on electric keyboard.
A private graveside service will held at the convenience of the family at Spring Mount Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Warriors Mark, with Rev. Dr. Kathleen “Katie” Hopper, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church, 509 E. Presqueisle Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866 or to the Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, Pa 16801.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg.
Online condolences may be submitted at www.beezerheathfh.com.
