David L. Braman

 

David Lee Braman, resident of Gibson, PA, passed away on Monday, February 19th, at Good Shepherd Village, Endwell. He was 73. David was raised in Windsor, NY, and wrestled for Windsor High School. From his earliest years, David was a self-made man, choosing to chart his own course in life.  While employed by the State as a welder, he became a gun enthusiast, collector, marksman and hunter.   David never walked away from a challenge, having great passion for what he believed in. He used his self-taught skills to design and build his own projects, strategically planning, building and operating Hillside Campgrounds in the peak of his life. David was a pilot and anyone who flew with him found it a memory they would never forget. In 1986 David opened his home in the beautiful hills of Pennsylvania to some very special people. He believed the world was different then. Social mores dictated that certain individuals were accepted and respected more than others. David fought against this prejudice and continued that fight to the very end. He was a pioneer.  Long before diversity was popular, David embraced it. Each person who enjoyed the Campgrounds knew that they were accepted, respected, and celebrated.  David sought to bring people together, in good times and in bad, just as the famous song said, since “That’s What Friends are For.”   David was predeceased by: his parents, Charles and Margaret Braman; his significant other, Daniel Bateman; his brother Gerald; and his dogs Schultz and Cody.  He is survived by his children: Jeffrey Braman and his son Dustin; Joanna Braman and her daughter Corina; William and Debbie Braman and their sons Steven and Jakob. David is also survived by two siblings: a brother, Charles; and his youngest brother Gary and Nancy Braman;  his favorite nephew James David Braman as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and dog Chloe. He also leaves behind his former wife and friend Alice Knowlton Withers. David suffered greatly these last years with Parkinson’s Disease. Throughout this period, he was surrounded by family members and some trusted friends: Wayne Mitteer, “Uncle” Bill Arnold, Frank Cannon, and Alex and Carol Kostek who shared in his dream as well as his suffering. Special Thanks to the medical and nursing staffs at Lourdes Hospital and Good Shepherd Village, especially Doctor Martin and Doctor Mikloucich. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10am at the Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St. Binghamton.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell, NY. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson, the Harford Emergency Services Ambulance Squad or a Charity of your choice.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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