The campus community mourns the passing of Stephen Brafa, who died on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Stephen retired in 2007 after 25 years as a lab director for the Physics & Astronomy department.
Included below is the complete text of the obituary, as provided by the family.
You are encouraged to visit our In Memoriam Site at bucknell.edu/InMemoriam and share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Stephen’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
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Stephen Brafa, 76, of Winfield, died June 27, 2020. Growing up in Baltimore, he was known for his athleticism, willingness to help his neighbors, and being a good big brother to his siblings.
In the 1960s, he served in the U.S. Air Force as an aviation radar technician. Later moving to Pennsylvania, he earned a bachelor’s degree in art history at Bucknell University during his 25 years as lab director of the physics/chemistry departments.
Friends and family remember his kindness, intelligence, generosity, dry wit, soft spot for kids and animals, good taste, and passion for art, language, ancient Rome, and music from classic rock to opera. He loved a good movie, a good book, a good joke, a good yard sale, a good meal, and most of all, his family.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Farida Zaid; daughter, Juliana Brafa; and sister, Nancy Winegard.
A memorial will be held privately by the family. Donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to T& D Cats of the World. Arrangements are by the John H. Shaw III Funeral Home, Lewisburg.