Gerald W. Brann

Gerald W. Brann, age 91, of Canton, died on October 20, 2025 at the Valley View Nursing Center, Montoursville, Pennsylvania, where he had resided following a brief illness. He was born on September 8, 1934 in Elmira, New York, the son of the late William J. and Rose King Brann. He grew up in Canton, Pennsylvania and graduated from Canton Area High School in 1952 as class valedictorian. He subsequently attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, cum laude, in 1956. Following graduation, Jerry entered the United States Army where he served for two years and was honorably discharged, attaining the rank of corporal. He then enrolled at the University of Notre Dame Law School, from which he graduated in 1962. Jerry initially practiced law in Philadelphia, but returned to his home in Bradford County in the Spring of 1964, joined the local bar, and entered into practice with the late Evan S. Williams. He was a partner in the law firm of what became, in its final iteration, Brann, Williams & Caldwell for fifty-eight years, between 1964 and 2022.

On August 8, 1964, Jerry married Josephine (Joy) Madigan, also from Canton. They are the parents of three children, the Honorable Matthew W. Brann, and his wife, Laura, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Attorney David J. Brann, of Canton, Pennsylvania; and Sara E. Barend, and her husband, Attorney David J. Barend, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren, Jillian R. Barend, Sadie A.M. Barend, John M. Brann, and Peter N. Brann.

Jerry was an active and fifty-year member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association as well as the Bradford County Bar Association, where he served as president. He was also an active member of the local community, serving as the solicitor for Canton Borough, the Canton Borough Authority, the Canton Area School District, and the Troy Area School District. He was a life member of the Am Vets and a member of the Canton Football Hall of Fame. Jerry was a director of the First National Bank of Canton, later Bank of Canton, for thirty-six years, where he also served as secretary, president, and chairman of the board.

Jerry was an active member of the Canton Lions Club, where he was a former secretary and president and named a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was also a fourth degree member of the Canton Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Jerry was possessed of an exceptional work ethic and a devotion to his many clients and to the law. He enjoyed reading, travel with his family and friends, and watching and attending Notre Dame football games.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joy, his children and grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Carol Ann Becker; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Neil P. Nelsen, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his infant brother, Gerard; his brother-in-law, C. William Becker; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia and Philip Pessoni, and his nephew, William S. Becker.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton. Finally, Jerry was a life-long member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Canton, from which a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10 a.m., with the Reverend Joseph Kutch, as celebrant.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the St. Michael’s Cemetery Association, Inc., 106 North Washington Street, Canton, Pennsylvania 17724. Memories of Jerry and condolences to the family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.