Thomas J. Brannigan, 95 of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2014, at Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia.

Thomas (better known to his wife and family as Tom or Pa) was the son of a coal miner.  He was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on September 8, 1919.  Tom married his high school sweetheart, Edna H. (Voegele) Brannigan.  Tom and Edna graduated from James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.  After graduating from high school, Tom had trouble finding work during The Great Depression.  He decided to take a bus from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia to search for a job.  Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, Tom’s first interview was with the Budd Company, a major maker and supplier of automobile parts during the 20th century.  The Budd Company hired him on the spot and Tom and Edna moved to Philadelphia where they have lived happily ever since.  Tom spent the remainder of his working days at the Budd Company as a supervisor until his retirement in the 1970’s.

Tom was a long-time member of St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church, Philadelphia.  He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time.  Tom generously gave his finely crafted woodwork to friends, family, and those in need.  Tom also enjoyed taking Edna on their monthly day trips to Atlantic City.  Tom was a loving and devoted husband to his dear wife Edna during their 72 years of marriage.

Tom was preceded in death by his 6 siblings, Anna, Mary, Florence, Alice, Billy and Gene. Tom is survived by his wife Edna, his granddaughter Kristine (Brannigan) Brenner and her husband Jeffrey,  2 great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Annabelle.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Tom will be fondly remembered by Cathy Gerace and her family, loving neighbors and caregivers to Tom and Edna for many years.

Funeral services for Tom will be held Friday, September 26, 2014 at 12:00 pm in the Chapel at St. Mary’s Cemetery 1594 South Main Street Hanover, PA  18706, followed by interment in the cemetery.  Friends may call from 11:00 am until the time of service at the chapel.