Robert F. 'Bb' Brannick Jr

Robert F. Brannick Jr. 71, known to friends as Bob or BB, of East Hartford, formerly Manchester, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend died peacefully on Thursday, December 7, 2017 with his family by his side. Bob was born on May 17, 1946 in Manchester, son of the late Robert F. Brannick Sr. and Loyola (Galligan) Brannick. He was raised in Manchester, attended local schools and was a graduate of MHS, Class of 1964. Bob was the longtime owner of the Sportsman's Caf in Manchester for over 30 years. Bob was a large man that cast a big shadow. He will be remembered by many for his acts of generosity to anyone he knew was in need, and he saw this generosity reciprocated after a fire destroyed his business, home, car and all his possessions back in 2013. He was an avid sports fan, both on and off the field, dating back to his high school days where he was a fullback on the 1962 MHS State Champion soccer team which was inducted into the Manchester Sports Hall of Fame this past November. He was known for his home-run hitting on town softball teams, namely Center Billiards, and later Groman's Sport Shop, and Bogner's. He enjoyed playing golf, and cherished his trips to Ireland with his good friends the "Fatheads", Jim Mulligan & Pat McKinley. He followed all sports avidly and in addition to supporting all local teams and athletes, was a loyal fan of the Red Sox, Whalers, UCONN Huskies, and Bruins. Bob is survived by his son Patrick Brannick of East Hartford and his three children; Chase, Griffin and McKayla, his daughter Corey Brannick and his son Michael Brannick both of East Hartford, his former spouse, mother of his children and beloved friend Carol Baker of East Hartford, his two brothers and sisters-in-law; David and Patricia Brannick of Westerly, RI and Marc and Pamela Brannick of Manchester, his sister and brother-in-law Loyola and Jonathan French of Manchester, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, as well as his dear friend "Pumpkin", Ellen Tedford. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his girlfriend Debbie Wilkinson. He will be missed by Debbie's daughter Michelle Flynn and her children; Cameron and Charlise, and many wonderful friends and former patrons. Family and friends are welcome to attend a time of visitation on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 3-7 pm at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main St. in Manchester. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday, December 15th at the B.A. Club, 73 Maple St. in Manchester beginning at 6 pm. The family would like to acknowledge the care and support Bob received during his illness at the DeQuattro Cancer Center and from VNA Hospice, especially Patty Albrecht, who was a great source of comfort to Bob's family in his final days. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

Visitation DetailsThursday, December 14th, 2017 3:00pm - 7:00pm, Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home