Benjamin R. Branch

1977 – 2012

 Amherst, Benjamin Robert “Rob” Branch, of Portland, ME, formerly of Amherst, passed away Wednesday, October 10^th, unexpectedly at age 35. 

          Born September 28^th, 1977 in Northampton, MA, Rob was the son of Patricia and Ben Branch. Rob grew up and lived in Amherst until 2009 when he moved to Portland, ME to work in the restaurant and food service industry. 
          Rob graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1996. Earning a varsity letter in 7^th grade, Rob was an outstanding competitive swimmer. He was also a member of the track and field team and enjoyed many sports while in high school. After high school, Rob attended the University of Massachusetts and Holyoke Community College. 
          He is survived by his mother, Patricia Branch, and father Ben Branch, brothers Kelly Dapprich and his wife Brenda, Terry Dapprich and his wife Kelly Lynn Dapprich, grandmother Irene Branch, aunts DeeDee Branch-Chrusciel and Barbara Weir, uncle George Branch, nephews Ryan, Keith and Logan Dapprich, niece Kendall Dapprich and many cousins who all will dearly miss him. 
          Calling hours will be Monday October 15^th, from 5 – 8 PM at The Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 10:00 AM at the Douglass Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery,Amherst. 
          Rob was a sweet, loving, kindhearted person with a great sense of humor. We will miss him so very much.

          The family is establishing a scholarship fund in Rob’s memory to annually benefit a varsity swimmer from Amherst Regional High School. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to this fund in care of Patricia Branch, 270 Alpine Dr. Amherst, MA 01002. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.