Father Joe Brando, beloved priest and military chaplain, dies at 79

Father Joseph Brando, a beloved priest of the Dioceses of Nashville and Knoxville, and a military chaplain who served in combat zones around the world, has died after a lengthy illness.

Father Brando was 79.

Bishop Richard F. Stika announced the news to diocesan clergy in an e-mail on Friday. "It is with a sense of sadness and Christian joy that I share with you the death of Father Joe Brando. Father Joe died last night, Dec. 9, after a courageous battle..." Bishop Stika said. 

Father Brando was born on Nov. 1, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1972, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattanooga by Bishop Joseph A. Durick, bishop of Nashville at the time.

A funeral Mass, with Bishop Richard F. Stika presiding, will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 17, at noon, at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Viewing and visitation will take place Thursday, Dec. 16, from 1-5 p.m. at the basilica, with vespers and a vigil service to begin at 5 p.m. 

Full coverage of Father Brando's life and service to the Church will be provided in the January issue of The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper.