Living On: Anthony Branca

“If you met Anthony, you liked him,” said Demetrius Branca, Anthony’s father. “If you knew Anthony, you loved him.”

Anthony Branca, 19, was a Leon High School graduate and Tallahassee Community College student who loved playing soccer and the saxophone. His goal was to become a national park ranger, as he enjoyed being outdoors and interacting with people.

“Anthony decided to register as an organ donor on his own,” Demetrius said. “It was almost a non-point because it was implied he would register. It was Anthony’s personality to give and be helpful.”

On November 7, 2014, Anthony was riding his motorcycle in Tallahassee when he was struck and killed by a distracted driver. He passed away at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Although Anthony was not able to donate organs, he was able to donate tissue and enhance the lives of 67 people. His connective and bone tissues have helped patients ranging from 17 to 77 years old, and his heart valve was used in a procedure for an infant in Nevada.

“It’s incredibly moving to know Anthony continues to help people even though he isn’t here anymore,” Demetrius said. “It’s beautiful to see other people live through his gifts. In death, he is like in life: kind, giving and considerate.”