Mr. Michael Anthony Branca, age 62, of Young Harris, GA passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Union General Hospital following a brief illness preceded by a number of years of declining health. Mr. Branca was born on September 19, 1954 in Atlanta, GA, the son of the late Roy Branca and Mary Ludwig Branca. Preceding Mr. Branca in death is his sister Margeurite Leggett. Michael loved his friends and his pets dearly. He was also passionate about sports, especially the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Michael was a former champion dart player before losing most of his vision to diabetes. He is remembered for making everyone around him laugh even in difficult times. In 1972 Michael graduated from Grady High School in Atlanta, GA where after college he came back to teach for a number of years. Michael also played varsity baseball for Georgia Tech and Mercer University while in college. Michael had lived in the Young Harris area since 2000, and attended Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Surviving Mr. Branca are his loving wife and best friend of 22 years, Janet Sanders of Young Harris GA; sister Mary Branca of Roswell GA; step mother Lallah Branca of Blairsville, GA; sister Marguerite’s dear friend Bob Fitzgerald, and many well-loved furry children. Many other friends also survive.

A celebration of Mr. Branca’s life will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 between 4:00PM and 7:00PM at his family’s residence, located at 121 Dockery Ridge Rd. Young Harris, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society Mountain Shelter or the Mayo Clinic Transplant Program in Jacksonville, FL in Michael’s memory. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences to the family on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com