Philip Andre Brankin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

PRINCETON — Philip A. Brankin, 66, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was comforted in his last hours by his loving family and devoted friends. Philip is survived by three sons, Anthony P. Brankin (Natalie Mullen) of Manchester, N.H., Evan M. Brankin of Davenport, Iowa, and Patrick J. Brankin of Naperville; and by his devoted and loving wife, Elizabeth Anne Brankin (Cumpton). He is also survived by three stepdaughters, Michele Pettit (James) of Solon, Iowa, Tricia Pinter (Kenneth Kramer) of Princeton and Amy Pinter of Chicago. Philip is survived by other family, including his brother, the Rev. Anthony J. Brankin, St. Odilo's Parish, Berwyn; his brother, the Right Rev. Patrick M. Brankin, Tulsa Diocese, Tulsa, Okla.; his brother, Joseph D. Brankin (Kristin), Chief of Aurora University Police Department; and his brother-in-law, David Drymiller (Pamela). He is survived by a sister-in-law, Mindy Kissick; a brother-in-law, R. Scott Cumpton (Jill); a sister-in-law, Jody Bates (Joseph); a sister-in-law, Kelly Cain (Marc); and his wonderful mother-in-law, Linda L. Cumpton. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony J Brankin (Captain CPD); his mother, Angela (Carioscia); his stepmother, Rita Brankin (Welsh); a sister, Mary Ann Drymiller; and his father-In-law, Robert Cumpton. He is further survived by seven grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins. Philip joined Northeast Multi-Regional Training (NEMRT), Aurora, in July of 1986. He was promoted to director in 1992. He had a Bachelor of Arts in History from DePaul University; a certificate in criminal justice administration from Aurora University and a master's degree in human resource management from National Louis University. He was a veteran of 10 years in the active (four years) and reserve components of the U.S. Army, where he was promoted to Captain. Phil also spent 14 years in law enforcement, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He served on the Board of Directors of three non-profit corporations. While Director at NEMRT, he received the law enforcement Executive of the Year for 2014 by the Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives; the Distinguished Service Award for 2016 by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. While under Philip's leadership, NEMRT received national recognition for its support of the National Guard and the Reserve Components of the U.S. military, including Patriotic Employer Award, presented by the Officer of the Secretary of Defense for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves; Department of Defense Pro Patria Award for outstanding service to the national defense through contributing support of the National Guard and Reserve; Extraordinary Employer Support Award, and nominated for the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. In 1987, Philip helped create the Ft. Dearborn Highlanders, a bagpipe band playing in local parades and festivals. But to honor fallen police, fireman and veterans he then helped create the Chicago Highland Rifles, a ceremonial unit with bagpipes, drums and bugles. It was created to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their county and community. Phil had many interests and hobbies, but the love of gardening and the joy of cooking were apparent. His gardens had a gorgeous display of perennials color from April through November, and nothing could make him happier than being able to prepare meals for his family and friends. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton by the most Rev. Edward Slattery, retired Bishop, Tulsa, Okla.; the Right Rev. Patrick Brankin, Tulsa, Okla.; the Rev. Anthony Brankin, St. Odilo's Parish, Berwyn; Rev. Jeffery Stirniman, former pastor; and the Rev. Daniel Gifford, current pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton. Burial will be in the Malden Cemetery, Malden. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Norberg Memorial Home, 701 E. Thompson St., Princeton. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to International Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation; St. Jude’s; or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.

Philip Andre Brankin

June 17, 1951 - December 20, 2017