John R. Branch, Original Tuskegee Airman, Died Wednesday

PARAMUS, NJ — John Roger Branch, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died Wednesday.

Branch passed away at the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus. He was 98, his obituary states.

As a private first class, Branch joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the popular name of a group of African-American military fighter and bomber pilots who flew during World War II. They formed the 477th Bombardment Group and the 332nd Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces, the predecessor of the U.S. Air Force.

Branch was born Jan. 26, 1920 in Keswick, Virginia. Branch was his family's unofficial historian and was always eager to tell stories of previous generations and "connect the historical dots" of his family.

Branch and his wife Esther spent time together in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Lily Nightingale, Bernice Young, Percy "Sam" Branch Jr., Alonzo "Jack" Branch, Tina Douglas, Molly Ashton, Elsie Johnson; and Alfred Branch Sr.; first and second wives Earla and Esterine; and sons from his first marriage, Roger and Kevin.

He is survived by his daughter, Earla; grandchildren Roger P. Branch Jr., John Rashad Branch, Jocelyn Branch-McCoy, Stacey Branch, Bronwyn Branch, great-grandchildren: Cheron Patterson Sr., Shaquanna Patterson, Derrick Patterson, Amaiya Branch, Aaron Branch, Lauren W. Branch, Khaya T, Dixon, and Tashon J. Tubb; and his great-great-grandchildren: Zaira Branch, Zaire John Branch, Phoenix Tutt, Paris Patterson, Syani Patterson, Cheron Patterson Jr., and Christopher Patterson.

A memorial service is Friday at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 South Farview Ave., Paramus. Viewing is from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A funeral service is at 1 p.m.

Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield.

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Photo: John R. Branch (Courtesy of Vander Plaat Memorial Home, Paramus, used with permission)