S. Robert Branson Jr.

VENICE, FL - S. Robert Branson, Jr., formerly of Windham and Scarborough, Maine, died peacefully at his home in Venice, Florida on December 14. He was born in Portland, Maine, November 21, 1940, the son of Sidney R. Branson, MD and Nora (Baker) Branson. Bob attended Deering High School and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1963. A few years later, he married Beth Simonds, his friend and sweetheart since the 5th grade. They moved to Connecticut where he began his work life as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Suffield Academy for more than 12 years. He received his master’s degree in Education from New York University. Bob returned to the Portland area where he made a career in the Home Oxygen/Home I.V. Therapy business during the 1980s and 1990s. He was employed by RTI/Homedco, and later started New England Life Care-Maine in 1987. In 1992, he established Branson Associates, Inc., a healthcare consulting organization. Bob and Beth retired in 2005 and moved to their current home in Venice, Florida. They volunteered at Meals on Wheels, and Bob did trail work at the Carlton Reserve. They were members of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Venice. Bob was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast; he enjoyed running, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, camping, and fishing. Bob was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beth (Simonds) Branson, his sister, Sandra Williams (Ed) of Cape Elizabeth, his brother, John B. Branson of Port Alsworth, Alaska, his children, Jane Smack (Mike) of Norfolk, Virginia, John H. Branson (Donna) of Cape Elizabeth, and granddaughters, Hillary Bontempi and Lydia Branson. Services will be held on Thursday, December 29 at 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 1115 Center Road, Venice. Bob will be buried in Maine; there will be a graveside service this summer (date to be determined) at Smith Cemetery, Route 202, Windham Center, Maine, followed by a celebration of life at the family’s cottage at Pine Point. Donations in Bob’s name may be sent to Tidewell Hospice in Venice (5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238; Tidewellhospice.org). Funeral arrangements are by Farley Funeral Homes in Venice and Dolby Funeral Chapel in Windham, Maine.

S. Robert Branson Jr.

November 21, 1940 - December 14, 2016

Explore Tributes &
Upcoming Services