Jerry was born on September 15, 1941 to Howard A. “Bud” and Lorraine O. (Fehrman) Branditz of Northside. He graduated from Colerain High School in 1959.
On September 7, 1962, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 98th Quartermasters Battalion. On April 16, 1964, he was promoted to E-4. Specialist (E-4) Branditz was honorably discharged September 6, 1964 with a Good Conduct Medal and he transferred to the United States Army Reserves at Fort Hayes in Columbus until August 22, 1968.
On January 21, 1965, Jerry joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He was assigned as a Patrol Clerk until December 9, 1965, at which time he transferred to Process Server. Upon graduation from the Police Academy, the Academy Commander sent a letter to the Sheriff advising him of Deputy Branditz’s A+ grade in the class. In October 1968, he established Explorer Scout Post 666 at St. Ann Grade School for children 14 to 18 years of age, devoting 50 hours a month of his own time for at least ten years. He also donated many hours to other youth initiatives, including orphanages. In February 1972, Deputy Branditz transferred to the Transportation Unit, as one of two deputies in the transportation squad, traveling to pick up prisoners wanted on warrants in other authorities. He was honored at the annual Police Appreciation Awards Banquet during Police Week 1978 with the Working With Childre Award. August 4, 1981, his title was changed to Court Services Officer 2. On February 21, 1984 he was assigned as Senior Transportation Officer. In 1993, he was promoted to Corporal and assigned to the Probate Court. Corporal Branditz retired April 30, 1998 with 39 years of service to his country and county and an outstanding number of letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
Corporal Branditz was also a member of the AM Vets, American Legion, Masons, and VFW. He also served on the Harrison Zoning Committee and the Civil Service Committee.
Corporal Branditz died on March 28, 2025 at the age of 83.
Corporal Branditz is survived by his children, Kevin Howard (Dotty) Branditz, David Walter (Anne) Branditz, and Jonathan Henry (Melanie) Branditz; grandchildren, Austin Branditz, Alex (Deborah) Branditz, Ayden Branditz, Ty (Sadie) Branditz, and Emma Branditz; great-grandson, Spencer Branditz; and sister, Esther J. (Steve) Johnson.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Brater Winter Funeral Home in Harrison. An FOP service will be held at 5:45 p.m., followed by the masonic service. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, followed by a graveside service at Glen Haven Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Harrison Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the VFW Duwel Post 7570.
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