Stephen R. Brainard, 78, previously of Rumson, passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Lansdale Oct. 17, 2023. He was the loving husband of 22 years to Jane (Dickinson) Brainard.
Born in New York, New York, Stephen was the son of the late Robert Irving Brainard and Mary P. (Skinner) Brainard. He later moved to Montvale, making lifelong friends and keeping up with them through various gatherings.
A proud Lafayette College graduate, his bonds with fellow graduates and fraternity brothers remained strong through reunions and golf outings.
Stephen was an avid golfer and belonged to two local golf leagues. He was also a collector of trains, having built train layouts in all of his homes for the enjoyment of his children and grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed volunteering with the North Penn S-Gauge train club. Stephen and Jane made many fond memories while traveling across the U.S. visiting friends and children, and abroad in several countries on cruises with friends. Of all his travels, his favorite vacation spot remained Squirrel Island, Maine, where he swam in the cold cove water and ate lobster. Spending time with his family and grandchildren is what Stephen loved best, well, outside of his golf game!
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Maryann Baret (husband Scott), Lucy Brainard, Robert I. Brainard III, Margaret Brainard-Bland (husband Peter); stepchildren, Christopher Spizzirri and Craig Spizzirri; grandchildren, Alex, Max, Nolan, Ryan, Sean and Richard; stepgrandchildren, Ronni, Donte, Allyson, Nicole, Austin and Owen; siblings, Tom Brainard (Mary) and Barbara Fretthold (Kurt).
In addition to his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his brother Robert I. Brainard II.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Stephen’s name to the North Penn S-Gaugers to help them continue their mission of running the portable, modular S-gauge layout for the education and enjoyment of the public. Send checks payable to NPSG to NPSG c/o Barry Simpson, Treasurer, 1805 Mifflin Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446.
A celebration of life was held Nov. 19 at his local golf course in Pennsylvania.
This article originally appeared in the December 14 – 20, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
