Dr. George Braun

Dr. George August Braun died on August 18, 2016.

Dr. George August Braun will be celebrated as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, mentor and valued friend to many. He will be most remembered for his strength of character, integrity, clarity of purpose and his lifelong adherence to a higher standard. Dr. Braun’s remarkable intellect and his untiring commitment to everything that he endeavored led to a cherished life as well as an extraordinary career rich with advancements in pharmaceutical research.

Serving as a Navy Pharmacist’s Mate during WWII from 1943-46, Dr. Braun later became a captain in the USAR. Upon returning from the war, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science from St. Joseph's College, Philadelphia (1951), married Patricia A. Heilmann (1952) and supported a growing family while earning his PhD in Biochemistry from the University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (1960.)

His professional career began as a research associate in 1955 and later professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, University Pennsylvania. In 1962, he became a Senior Research Scientist at the Squibb Institute of Medical Research. He then headed Biochemistry and later became Director of Research at McNeil Laboratories (1963-68.) Dr. Braun then served as the Vice President of Research and Development at Ortho Pharmaceutical, (1972-80). Later, he served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President for Technical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) International from 1980 until his retirement from J&J in 1988. He then assumed the Vice Presidency of Photomedica, Inc., followed by work with his son at G&M Braun Inc., and extensive volunteer positions with Lions Club, Clymer Library Board, Pocono Mountains Airport Authority, and Tobyhanna Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Contributing numerous articles to professional publications, Dr. Braun also was a frequent guest lecturer at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Science; Industry Liaison to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Panel Rev. Over the Counter Drugs, 1973); Chairman Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Research and Development section (1978-80) and consultant to the Ford Foundation. Dr. Braun was also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, the American Chemical Society, American Fertility Society, International Family Planning Research Association, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Sigma Xi.

He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 11, 1925 to Charles Edward Braun and Edna (Strehle) Braun. His brothers, Charles and William, predecease him leaving many beloved nieces and nephews.

George Braun is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia (Heilmann) Braun, and his children: Mary; Mark married to Chris Braun; Janet; (George Jr. deceased 1996.) His grandchildren and their partners: Peter & Cait, Nicholas & Jaime, Avery, John & Christine who were recently joined by a great granddaughter, Brynn Braun.

George Braun’s contributions and virtues are numerous; he was an avid pilot (commercial pilot multi-engine), sailor, scuba diver and skier. He was known for his graciousness and quiet compassion, his love of history and his ability to quote Longfellow, Shakespeare, Milton, Poe and others well after his 90th birthday. His life is celebrated by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Stauffer Funeral Home on Friday, August 26 at noon with a short service following at 1:30. On Saturday, August 27 at 12:30, a graveside service will occur at Pocono Lake Cemetery in PA.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made, in Dr. Braun's memory, to the Residents' Assistance Fund at Buckingham's Choice, 3200 Bakers Circle, Adamstown, MD 21710 (ATTN: Finance).