Charles B. Branigan

Charles B. Branigan, II passed away on December 30, 2020. Charles was born September 18, 1931 in Abington, Pennsylvania to Charles B. and Martha Branigan. He was a Bethlehem resident for forty-eight years.

Charles was a veteran of the United States Navy, allowing him to travel the world. He was a resourceful independent truck driver, businessman, restaurateur, and entrepreneur. He opened and ran "Chuck's Drive-In" on U.S. 309 near Quakertown during the 1960s, As an independent trucker, he was an active Teamster member of Local 773. During the early 1960s, he delivered steel from the Lehigh Valley to the site of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. For his near daily contributions to this massive construction project, he received a medal of commendation from the City of New
York. The bridge was, until 1981, the longest suspension bridge in the world. Charles' medal was considered lost for many years, but was miraculously rediscovered on Christmas Day, just five days before his death. As an independent - and expert - trucker, Charles hauled steel for the Pan Am Building and many other New York City skyscrapers. His 18-wheeler was an integral link in the supply chain that transformed the Manhattan Skyline. Charles, known to his many friends and family members as "Chuck," was in recent years a self employed vendor in the industrial glove business. He was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Sharon M. (nee Miller) of Bethlehem; daughter, Monica Gutman and son-in-law, Gary of North Whitehall Township; son Charles B. Branigan, III of Bethlehem; grandchildren Elizabeth and Luke Gutman, and Charles B. Branigan, IV; sister-in-law, Pamela Miller; brothers-in-law, Richard Kehs, John Miller, Ken Arney and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was predeceased by his sisters Marion Donahue, Elizabeth Kehs, and brother-in-law, Peter Donahue.

A private graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions should be made to Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran
Church in care of the Schisler Funeral Home 2119 Washington Avenue, Northampton, PA 18067.
Online condolences may be made at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com