With profound sadness, the family of Richard Brauning announces that he passed away peacefully at age 86, surrounded by loved ones. A beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Richie made his home in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, for more than 60 years and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him.

Born in Philadelphia, Richie attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School and Dobbins Vocational School. He was the son of the late Regina (Wybranski) and Thomas Olszanowski and was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 wonderful years, Sonia (Mitros) Brauning.

A genuinely kind, caring, and generous man who had no children of his own, Richie treated his nieces and nephews as if they were his. He took immense pride in serving as the family historian, sharing stories of their ancestors, and instilling the value and importance of family traditions.

Richie was warm, charismatic, and quick‑witted, with a sense of humor that often left others wondering whether he was serious or joking. A lifelong learner, he had a thirst for knowledge and loved sharing what he discovered. He relished spirited debate and approached every discussion with enthusiasm. He also loved cooking for others and happily contributed to the buffet at every family gathering and celebration.

Extremely proud of his Polish heritage, Richie looked forward each year to the Polish Festival at Our Lady of Czestochowa, where he enjoyed traditional foods and polka bands. He appreciated antiques and delighted in visiting thrift shops in search of unique additions to his collection. His favorite hobby was fishing, whether on the banks of a quiet lake or out on the ocean with his brother, Jack; it was his "happy place." Among his prized possessions were his fishing gear and antique rods, including several that once belonged to his uncle. He could always be counted on to fillet the day's catch.

Richie's enthusiasm for travel included trips throughout the United States and Europe and cruises to tropical islands. Among his favorite destinations were Hawaii, Bermuda, Cape May, New Jersey, and Williamsburg, Virginia, which he enjoyed with his beloved wife, Sonia, as well as annual trips to Wildwood, New Jersey, with his sister, Dolly, and her family.

A proud Marine, Richie served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, carrying the values of honor, courage, and commitment, and the camaraderie that defined the Corps, throughout his life. Following his honorable discharge in 1960, Richie built a long and respected career as a butcher, retiring from SuperFresh after more than 40 years of dedicated service.

In celebration of a life well lived, a viewing will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 10 AM to 11 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow at The 1912 Club, 888 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Interment will take place at 10AM on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, Pennsylvania with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Richie's name to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at https://www.dav.org/ or by mail to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Richie is survived by his brother, Jack (the late Marie; Charlotte); his sister, Barbara "Dolly" Milewski (the late Joe); his sisters‑in‑law, Linda (Mitros) Olsen (the late George) and Christine (Mitros) Greenberg (Fredavid); many nieces and nephews; cousins; and cherished friends.

Richie was dearly loved, and that love will live on in our hearts. We are grateful for the many wonderful memories we shared, which will remain with us forever. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.