Dudley - The spirit of Michael T. Branniff, 75, of Dudley passed peacefully from this life on December 17 while a patient at Umass Medical Center after his being unexpectedly stricken ill at home.    Mike is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda Branniff of Dudley and his two stepsons, Armand St. Andre of RI and Adam St. Andre (and wife Stacie St. Andre). He was born in Webster, the son of Mark Q. and Stella (Kokoski) Branniff.   Mike attended St. Louis School in Webster and St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.  He was an Army veteran.

Mike was a retired splicing technician for Verizon for 30 years.  He had a life-long interest in history and held a position on the Dudley Historical Commission for many years.  He was instrumental in getting early records of Dudley copied and preserved.  His special interest was the Massachusetts 15 ^th Regiment in the Civil War.  He was on the Board of Directors of the Black Tavern Historical Society for 14 years.  Mike also enjoyed yearly Maine vacations to Eastport, fishing, and was a very, very avid reader of history.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home 48 School Street Webster, MA.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Black Tavern of Dudley, 138-142 Center Road, Dudley, MA.

A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may offer condolences or light a candle in remembrance of Michael.