Patricia A. Branagh

Patricia (Pat) A. Branagh, 78, of Mantova Drive in Clay, NY, passed away Saturday, October 24, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse after a long and courageous battle.

Born in 1948, to Theodore and Rose (Cordileone) Cretaro, Pat grew up in Canastota. She attended Canastota Central Schools, graduating from High School in 1966. She attended Powlson Business Institute with her best friend Josette after graduation. She married Charles Branagh in June of 1967, at St. Agnes’ Church by Rev. Edward A. McDowell, and they enjoyed 59 years together, welcoming three children during their marriage.

One of Pat’s major accomplishments later in life was going to college. At the urging of her oldest daughter, Pat started attending Onondaga Community College and then finished her Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College.

A devout Roman Catholic, Pat was a faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Cicero for many years. Her involvement at the parish included teaching religious education and doing the readings at mass, as well as volunteering at the food pantry associated with the church. In 2011, she and Charles traveled to Israel as part of a pilgrimage organized by the parish.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her siblings John (Joanne) Cretaro, and Mary Cretaro.

Pat is survived by her husband Charles, children, Maria (Patrick) Haar, David Branagh, and Kathleen (Timothy) Costley, granddaughter, Madeleine (Nishant) Kodan, grandsons, Stephen Hoenow and James (Faith) Wright, and brother Michael Cretaro of Canastota.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in honor of Patricia. 34 Washington St., Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.