1959 – 2015

AUBURN — Ben V. Branscom, 55, of Auburn, died Tuesday , Feb. 10, at his home.

He was born in Bethlehem, Pa., on June 17, 1959, youngest of five children of the late Russell K. and Ruth Pazzetti Branscom. He graduated from the Moravian Academy in Bethlehem and then Parsons School of Design in New York City with a bachelor of fine arts degree in communications.

Ben served as customer service manager at Thos. Moser in Auburn, where he became an invaluable member of the company’s leadership team. Prior to joining Thos. Moser, Ben defined and developed his ability to build positive customer experiences and relationships with businesses in California, Oregon, Florida and North Carolina.

In 2006, Ben decided to leave the corporate world and foster his passion for woodworking and design, first at Homestead Woodworking School in Newmarket, N.H., and then at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport. At Thos. Moser, Ben successfully combined his creative abilities and communication skills with his extensive knowledge and experience in furniture design and woodworking to provide the highest possible standards of quality and service to the customers and colleagues that he cared so much about.

He loved spending time by the sea and traveling here and abroad, especially England, Scotland and France.

Ben had a generous spirit and was loved by everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind one brother, Russell K. Branscom Jr. and wife, Virginia G. Branscom, of Amesbury, Mass.; two sisters, Susan Pazzetti Branscom of Michigan and Sally B. Donches and husband, Stephen G. Donches of Bethlehem, Pa.; 11 nieces and nephews; his extended family of co-workers at Thos. Moser; and many friends.

He was predeceased by a brother, Timothy S. Branscom.

55, of Auburn, died Tuesday , Feb. 10, in Auburn. A memorial service and celebration of Ben’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, in Peter J. Gomes Chapel at Bates College, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the “Ben Branscom Scholarship Fund,” instituted by Thos. Moser, for qualified candidates to attend the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport. Donations may be made with a check payable to the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, noted “in memory of Ben Branscom,” and sent to the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, 25 Mill St., Rockport, ME 04856 or made via credit card by calling the Center at 207-594-5611. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Service, Lewiston, 207-784-4584.