Peter Denniston Braun passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 29, 2026. He was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and later graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Economics. After college, he attended Aviation Officer Candidate School with the Navy, completed Navy flight training, and became a Designated Naval Aviator. He flew reconnaissance missions in an EC-121 while on active duty. While stationed at Base Naval de Rota in Spain, he met and married his wife, Dianne. After leaving Spain, they moved to Kennewick, WA, where he continued as a Naval Aviator in the Reserves flying maritime patrol aircraft, P-3s. He retired as a Commander. He and Dianne raised 5 kids in Kennewick. They spent summers camping around WA State, timing some trips with his reserve duty at NAS Whidbey. He worked 30+ years as a Contract Administrator for a variety of companies at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. He developed and provided training in Procurement for buyers and technical personnel. He also served at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in the RCIA program for 20+ years. He enjoyed retirement attending various Navy Squadron reunions across the country until he was no longer able to travel. In the last years, he enjoyed visits from family where he laughed about our fondest memories including family dinners with geography questions, camping trips with ghost stories, endless dad jokes, easter egg hunts, aviation stories, and famous dad quotes. He also particularly enjoyed visits from his caregiver, Laura, and his daughter, Kellie, who without fail, brought him his Starbucks coffee and pumpkin bread.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents (Radcliffe, Jerry & Marjorie) and wife, Dianne Braun of 51 years. He leaves his five children: Denny Braun (Amy) of Seattle, Lisa Hedges (Bill) of Seattle, Kellie Ward (Mark) of Richland, Jaimee Eingurt (Robert) of Silver Spring, MD, and Mary Celis (Rolando) of Mukilteo. He had six grandchildren: Colin Ward (21), Anabelle (19) and Adelyn (16) Braun, Mateo (12) and Diego (6) Celis, and Benjamin Eingurt (11). He leaves his two sisters Kathryn Lewis (Mike) and Barbara Veit, and nephews Darren & Brian (Lilia).

Peter will be interred with family in the Veterans section of Sunset Garden Memorial Cemetery in Richland, WA on June 13, 2026, at 10:00am with reception to follow in Einan’s chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.