Kevin G. Branigan | Food broker, 52

Kevin G. Branigan, 52, of Bensalem, a food broker, died Thursday, Feb. 9, of leukemia at home.

Growing up in Rhawnhurst, Mr. Branigan huckstered produce from a truck with his older brother for a local market. After graduating from Holy Ghost Preparatory School in 1977, he worked for two food brokers while attending St. Joseph's University.

In 1984, he earned a bachelor's degree in food marketing, and in 1989, he founded his own food brokerage business, Master Onion Sales, dealing in produce and specializing in onions. For 26 seasons, he sold Christmas trees at the corner of Cottman Avenue and State Road in Northeast Philadelphia. The trees inspired a Mural Arts Program painting of a forest on a building adjacent to the lot, his sister Mary Grace Branigan said.

Mr. Branigan was a Phillies fan and a founder of the Philadelphia Blue Claws, a men's baseball team. He also played golf and basketball.

He was proud of his vegetable garden, his sister said, and was an avid boater and fisherman.

In addition to his sister, Mr. Branigan is survived by his wife, Diane Law Branigan; sons Kevin Jr., Steven, and Michael; stepchildren Frederick and Rebecca McMunn; his mother, Naomi Branigan; another sister; and a brother.

A Funeral Mass was said Monday, Feb. 13, at Resurrection of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, Philadelphia. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Kevin G. Branigan Children's Trust, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, 650 S. Exeter St., Suite 1100, Baltimore, Md. 21202.