By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MILFORD - George Braun, the man who made the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton festival a major community event in Milford, died Wednesday at his home here.

Mr. Braun, 63, director of the festival for 20 years, improved and expanded it. "He started the tradition of having a parade to open the festival," said his son Joe, of Hyde Park

He also created the popular doll booth, where seamstresses repair old dolls that are auctioned to benefit the church.

Mr. Braun meticulously oversaw every detail of the festival, from purchasing the metal booths to the preparation of the chicken and roast beef dinners.

"It was under his direction that they were named one of the best chicken dinners in Cincinnati by the Catholic Telegraph," his son said.

As a member of the parish council, Mr. Braun coordinated many events to raise money to purchase the church's organ and bell tower.

"He was never asked to help with a project that he didn't get involved in," his son said. A member of the Miami Township Park Board, Mr. Braun also helped bring the first park to the area. "He had such visions on every project he worked on."

Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago, Mr. Braun accepted the position of president of the Heritage Ridge Homeowners Association. He directed landscaping and improvements to the pool facilities in between his cancer treatments.

Mr. Braun also served on the board of directors of the Miami Hills Swim Club in Milford. He planned and oversaw construction of the clubhouse and the concession stand and served as the club's competitive-sports representative. He also helped to revise the swim league rules.

"I can't begin to say how involved he was in every part of the community - the government, the charities and his church. He truly made an impact with everyone who met him," his son said.

Mr. Braun grew up in Cheviot working in his family's Price Hill bakery. After graduating from Colerain High School, he enrolled at the University of Kentucky and went to work for Sears Roebuck & Co. to help pay his tuition.

He received a bachelor's degree in advertising in 1968 and worked as a salesman for Sears for the next 32 years.

In addition to his son, survivors include his wife of 32 years, Susan Braun; a daughter, Jennifer Paul of Valdosta, Ga.; two brothers, Dennis Braun of Milford and Anthony Braun of Cheviot; and a sister, Virginia Standifird of Glendale, Ariz.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Sunday at John H. Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center St., Milford. Mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m. Monday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 5890 Buckwheat Road in Milford.

Memorials: The University of Cincinnati Programs, Barrett Cancer Center M.L. 0544, P.O. Box 193713, Cincinnati 45219, Attention: Dr. Abdul Jazieh Research.

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E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com