Clayton J. "Clayt" Bramhall

Mr. Clayton J. “Clayt” Bramhall, retired military, age 82, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his wife and loved ones by his side. Born on March 3, 1931, Clayton was the son of the late Clayton E. and Sue (Dickerson) Bramhall. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School. A proud veteran, Clayt served his country during the Korean Conflict and served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. A career serviceman, he reached the rank of Chief Warrant Officer II, the highest rank that could be achieved by an enlisted person. With over 20 years in the military, his unwavering loyalty and intrepid training affected every phase of his life; he lived each day of his enlistment in allegiant service to his country. Highly decorated for his valor, he was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He lived by the motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine”. Clayt was a proud, loyal, and dignified soldier and man. On March 17, 1990, he wed the former Rosalind “Roz” Garramone; their marriage was consecrated by a closeness that endeared their hearts for 23 years. They were best friends who trusted one another. Many times during their married life, ‘happy ads’ would appear in print from “The Marine” and “The Flame”, as a means and a token of the couple’s love on notable occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day. Many admired their heartfelt and unique style, and now, all will know who they are. A 23 year employee with the State of New York, Clayton had worked for the Department of Mental Health, Marcy Psychiatric Center, and the CNY Psychiatric Center retiring as a Senior Supervisor. Underneath Clayt’s tough exterior was a gentleman with a very caring heart, respectful to all. Blessed with a high IQ, he was well-educated, confident, yet humble. A man of determination and good judgment, he was politically and civic minded, and he kept abreast of current world events and latest headlines by tuning in to his preferred network, Fox News Channel. Clayt’s life energies were focused on his God, his country, his military affiliation, and his family. His faith was so important as was daily Mass a principal part of his existence and he held credence in the Sacrament of Reconciliation through Confession which was based on the Catholic precepts imparted to him by his parents. He enjoyed a wide range of military, civic, and secular participation. He was a member of the Herkimer Marine Corps League attending their local, state, and national conventions as a representative. He was also a Commandant serving Herkimer County Marine Corps League, and he commandeered a howitzer artillery machine from Pennsylvania which sets upon the Marine Corps League premises in Ilion. He also marched in many parades honoring the Marine Corps. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #6001, American Veterans, American Legion/New Hartford Post 2013, and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. Holding true to the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful), Clayt celebrated the United States Marine Corps Birthday every year on the 10th of November. His past and present knowledge of the Marine Corps as well as being a great composer and presenter of speeches, he was often called upon to preside at Marine Corps balls. His affiliations with the Corps were also at a state and national level. During his leisure time, Clayt enjoyed barbeques and sipping spirits at get-togethers. His door was always open and his house was always full. He was a special supporter of his grandchildren’s sporting games, and an all-sport spectator, especially Raiders Football and the NY Yankees baseball. Marine Corps and military memorabilia filled his home and he lovingly decorated it for all seasons, complete with flag poles proudly adorning his abode flying and furling his American flag, Marine Corps and POW flag. His Christmas tree was set out in scarlet and gold with Marine Corps bulbs, flag lights, and at the crest of the tree proudly stood a Marine Corp figure as well as his POW tree with hopeful star lights and a cage upon its top. Clayton is survived by his wife, Roz; his children and their families, Gary Bramhall, Debbie and Eve Bramhall, Bonnie and Larry Delizia, Clayton E. and Susan Bramhall, and Crystal Zaleski; his grandchildren, Christopher and Damitra Purvis, C.D. and Daniel Day, Richard and Mary Hamburg, Brandon Hamburg, Kirsten Hamburg, Eric Cappelli, David Cappelli, Allison Cappelli, Taylor Bramhall, Connery Zaleski, and Vincent Zaleski; and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves his step-children, Jackie and John Carbone, and Alfred “Buddy” and Andrea Maunz; his step-grandchildren, Danielle Carbone, Bianca Carbone; Alexandra, and Hunter, who affectionately called him “Fathe”. He leaves his legacy to his brothers, Robert E. Bramhall, and Ronald W. Bramhall; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Johann Ciotti, Lorraine and Thomas Floyd, Ann Marie Taylor, Theresa Claeys, and Lawrence R. Garramone III. He was blessed with many loyal and wonderful friends throughout the different phases of his life. He was predeceased by his brother, Ray, who was killed during World War II; and his brothers-in-law, Louis Ciotti, Donald Taylor, and Michael Claeys. The family extends sincere thanks to Clayt’s family physician, Dr. Francis Constantine, and staff for the confidence and kindness they shared; the personnel of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center, Special and Intensive Care Units, and Allen Calder, who were incredibly wonderful in their care of Clayton and his family; the pastoral care rendered by the hospital; and the prayers and services of Fr. Mark Pasik and their pastor Fr. Mark Kaminski. A special thank-you to Clayt’s dear friend, Mac Waterman, who was bedside during his passing and was there whenever possible, as were Clayt’s son, Clayton, his in-laws, step-son, his wife, and grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Clayton’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated and Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Clayton J. "Clayt" Bramhall

March 3, 1931 - December 20, 2013