James A. Braniff, age 89 of Milford, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at West River Rehab, Milford. James was born in Brooklyn, NY, December 11, 1930, son of the late Anna Fogarty. He worked in the maintenance department for Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY for many years until his retirement. He was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church of Milford and also served as an usher for 15 years. He was a member of the Milford Senior Center, the Milford Lions Club, the Milford Fishing Club, and the Irish Heritage Society of Milford. He is survived by his children Grace Cervone and her husband Anthony of Milford and Rita Pepe and her husband Scott of Orange, his grandchildren Gabriella and May Cervone and Sofia and Nico Pepe, his sisters Helen Miller and her husband Victor of New York and Peggy Bell of Ireland, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Eileen Sorenson, and Claire Benedetti. Not a day went by when he wasn’t playful, jovial or making someone smile. Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 1pm to 4pm at Smith Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 20, 2020 DIRECTLY at St. Agnes Church (Precious Blood Parish), 400 Merwin Ave., Milford at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Norwalk Union Cemetery, Norwalk.