Barbara August Braff, 95, former long-time resident, business, and civic leader in Greenfield, a resident of Lake Mary, FL since 2024, passed peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Orlando Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health.
Barbara was born on May 12, 1930 in Beverly, MA, to Jack and Eva (Feinstein) August. She moved with her family in 1930, to Northampton, MA, where her father held a progression of jobs including working on a cattle farm, as a butcher, a grocery truck driver, and finally in 1935 he established the Original Jack August Seafood Restaurant. Barbara was educated in the Northampton Public Schools, and graduated from NHS in the Class of 1947, where she was a member of the Varsity Drama Club and Choir. After graduating from high school, Barbara attended the University of Miami in Miami, FL.
She married a Greenfield resident, Richard F. “Dick” Braff, on November 5th, 1950 in West Springfield, MA. Dick had swept her off her feet after only two dates and their relationship took off from there. Theirs was a union for the ages, one of love, devotion, and partnership in every facet of their relationship.
Barbara was the co-owner of the family business, Braff’s Royl Cleaners which she operated with her husband Dick for nearly 50 years. Dick retired actively from the family business in 1991, turning the operation over to their son Gary Braff, followed by the retirement of Barbara in 1995, with the business closing in 1999.
Barbara was active in the Greenfield Community, including the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Tourist Captives” event, working with her husband Dick as hosts. Dick and Barbara were also the hosts of a twice-weekly local radio program on WHAI known as “Community Chatter”, where they interviewed local, regional, and national guests. Among these were local non-profit agencies, civic theatre groups, and church organizations, along with such notables as local business owner Bud Foster, nationally known comedian Norm Crosby, and veteran actor Pat Hingle.
Barbara was an integral part of the company business. She attended Greenfield Community College in order to secure advanced training in Management, created all of the advertising campaigns for the business, and also acted as the firm’s bookkeeper for the majority of her working career. Dick and Barbara were active members of the Western Massachusetts Drycleaners Association, New England Drycleaners Association, and the National Drycleaners Association. During the times when her husband served as president and director for these organizations, she provided advertising support, assisted in the planning of conventions, and wrote speeches for him.
Barbara was part of the “Junior Follies” for the Franklin Medical Center fund, often performing in the productions.
Barbara was also active in Temple Israel, Greenfield, MA, having served as the President of the Ladies Aid from 1958-1959. She co-wrote and starred in various Temple Israel musical programs, where her singing skills were always in demand. She spent a year teaching kindergarten at the temple and provided assistance to various temple committees throughout her time living in Greenfield.
Barbara and her loving husband of nearly 70 years, were “snow birds” for many years, while residing in their Bernardston Road home in Greenfield, finally becoming permanent residents of Florida in 2013.
Survivors include her three children: Marti Hayes and Gary Braff of Greenfield, MA, and Ned Braff, of Orlando, FL. Additionally, she leaves her adoring grandchildren: Lee Hayes and Alaine Beaudette. Lastly, she is remembered with affection by her nieces and nephews: Sarah Rebecca Moore, Barry Fogel, Robert Fogel, Deborah August and Jonathan August, as well as grandnieces Amy Mersky (Michael), Audrey Garro (Mark) and grandnephew Alan Chitoff and great grandniece Jillian Mersky and great grandnephew Jack Bernardrich Mersky.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Eva August, as well as by her husband Richard F. Braff, her siblings Rita Fogel, Howard August, and Judy Moore. Niece Roberta Chitoff and nephew Paul Rich.
Private services will be observed at the Greenfield Hebrew Cemetery, Greenfield, MA, with Rabbi Simcha Halpert-Hanson of Temple Israel to officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Temple Israel, in c/o the Braff Educational Fund, 27 Pierce Street, Greenfield, MA 01301, or to the charity of your choice.
The McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield and Turners Falls, MA are entrusted with the arrangements, assisted by colleagues from Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel in Orlando, FL. Guest book and condolence message available at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com.
