Arnold Braff

Dr. Arnold Braff passed away peacefully on September 25th at age 67. He had been a dedicated optometrist for more than 35 years, as well as a devoted husband and father. Dr. Braff was born in New York City and graduated from the prestigious Bronx School of Science. He went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College in New York City and a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from SUNY College of Optometry in New York. After obtaining his optometry degree, Dr. Braff joined the US Navy and completed 2 terms of service as a lieutenant and navy optometrist, one in Charleston, South Carolina, and the other in the Washington DC area, where he serviced military personnel in the Pentagon area. After leaving the Navy, Dr. Braff remained in the Washington, DC area and worked both in private practice and for well-known companies, serving his patients with exceptional care and dignity. He was always willing to fill in for other optometrists who were sick or needed time off, so the patients would not have to forego care. One of Dr. Braff’s hobbies was collecting antique radios, and various radios could always be found in either his office and his home. He attended radio club meetings, and was always looking for new items to add to his collection. As a lifelong diabetic, he managed a variety of dietary restrictions (though BBQ ribs were his guilty pleasure), and always talked about missing ice cream and chocolate. He received a kidney and pancreas transplant in his early 60s. Effectively cured of diabetes, he was finally allowed to eat sweets, but realized he didn’t have much of a taste for them. He retired earlier this year. His post-retirement time was spent exercising several times a week and participating in programs at the Senior Center. He especially enjoyed his theatre group. He also loved walking through his development, where he was a favorite of the neighborhood kids. He was very social and enjoyed dinners out with friends and family and going to baseball games. He especially enjoyed going to the beach, though he hated the sand. His last trip was to Rehoboth beach with his son-in-law, Andrew, to visit his best friend, Herb Archey. Dr. Braff will always be remembered for his humbleness and his cherished sense of humor. He is survived by his daughter Laura Lloyd-Braff, son-in-law Andrew Cartwright, a sister Janice Lemmo and her husband Peter Lemmo, and a nephew David Lemmo. His loving wife of 43 years passed away two days after him. He also will be missed by his family, friends, and co-workers. His Celebration of Life will take place alongside his wife’s, on October 20th, 2023, at 11am, at Jefferson Funeral Chapel (5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315).

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Arnold Braff

October 2, 1955 - September 25, 2023