Harry Hayes Branning

Harry Hayes Branning (74), of Vienna, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of April 12th. Harry was born on May 26, 1950, in Syracuse, New York to Harry and Dorothy Branning. They later moved to Gaithersburg, MD, where he attended Gaithersburg High School and then began his collegiate years at the University of Maryland, then transferring to Georgetown University, where he was a member of the varsity football team and graduated with a degree in English in 1973.

While attending Georgetown University, Harry worked at the Tombs, beginning his venture into the Georgetown bar scene. He would go on to work at many other DC establishments, such as Tammany Hall, Winstons, and Sarsfield’s, leading to life-long friendships and even better memories. His financial career started at Laidlaw Adams & Peck, continuing at Moseley, where he would later meet the love of his life, Tina.

Harry and Tina married in 1988 and moved their family to Glastonbury, CT as he took on the role of Executive Vice President for Advest Inc. They spent 26 years in the Red Hill neighborhood where friends became family. Following Advest, Harry started Branning Financial Group where he would complete a 50-year career in Financial Services. Harry always went above and beyond and took pride in doing what was best for his clients and their families, which is why he was able to hit a milestone that most can only dream of achieving. In 2019, they moved back to Virginia to be close to family.

In his personal life, he was known to many as “Santa Harry” due to his thoughtful, selfless, and generous nature. He was the best listener and gave the soundest advice. Harry was known to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone, as it brought him great joy to make others smile. He had the biggest heart, and it showed in everything he did. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and most recently promoted to the best PopPop around. There is nothing Harry wouldn’t have done for his family and friends.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Tina (“T” as he liked to call her), his daughters, Stephanie (Jake) and Samantha, his grandson, Jordan Hayes, his soon-to-be granddaughter due in May, his four brothers Steve (Marilyn), Thom (Janice), Will (Lisa) and Eric (Amy), his sisters-in-law, Joyce (Dusty) and Barbara, and brother-in-law, John. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Harry F., mother, Dorothy, and his in-laws, John and Barbara Cino.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Harry’s memory on Saturday, April 26th at the Tower Center of Tysons Corner from 12-3 pm. The building’s multi-level garage is located adjacent to the Club building and is marked “Towers Crescent Parking.” From the main lobby of the building, you will take two elevators to reach the Club. The first set will be from the first to the 14th floor, at which point you will switch elevators. You’ll proceed around the corner (follow the glass wall where you can see the staircase and you’re on the right path!) and take the second set from the 14th to 17th floor. There are signs in both lobbies and placards inside the elevators themselves. Remember to bring your white garage ticket with you for validation at the station in the Club’s lobby!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association and The Boston Foundation for Sight.