Dr. R. Kenneth Braun

Dr. R. Kenneth Braun, a retired Veterinarian who spent most of his career at The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine passed away on May 17, 2019.

Dr. Braun was born in 1935 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey to Fred and Marian Braun. His early life was spent in Pattenburg, New Jersey, where he completed high school, owned a dairy farm and played semi-professional football for the Newark Bears. After suffering a football injury, he decided to pursue educational opportunities at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York. He received his Bachelor’s degree in 1961 and his DVM in 1965. For the next 13 years, he belonged to the faculty of Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine.  During this time, he also took sabbatical leave for a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis.

In 1978, he accepted a position as a Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida which was in construction. He was chief of staff at the large animal teaching hospital, was heavily involved with research, student interaction with large animals, and led seminars across the country and five other continents during his tenure at UF.  He was given numerous awards, including an exclusive international prize for excellence and merit.  He last served the Veterinary College in the roll of Professor Emeritus.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marian and Fred Braun, Harlene Freeman Braun and Doris Orlowski. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Elizabeth Braun, daughter Gail L. Piazza (Doug), Sons Jeffrey D. Braun (Nancy), Mark A. Braun (Cristy), Christopher K. Braun (Amy), Scott F. Braun (Shelly) and 10 Grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday ,June 7th at 11 AM at the Baughman Center (982 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL).  All are invited to join the family for a reception at Napolatano’s Restaurant , 606 NW 75th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32607. following the services.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 8830 Cameron Street #201, Silver Spring, MD  20910 or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018.

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