Mike Braden

Robert Michael “Mike” Braden, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Phoenix, AZ on April 8, 2025.

Following his graduation from Arcadia High School in 1965, Mike Braden joined the Coast Guard and was honorably discharged after four years on active duty. He was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a Yeoman on the USCG Minnetonka. After leaving the Coast Guard, Mike attended Arizona State University and built a successful career in sales at a variety of companies.

Mike had a knack for taking care of those around him, even as he dealt with the progressive limitations of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). With his longtime companion Phyllis Skowronski, he helped to raise four stepchildren during their teenage years and beyond. He also ensured that his mother and his Uncle Bob were cared for during their senior years. All the while, Mike dealt with his progressive MS symptoms with a lot of grit and little complaint.

There are many things that Mike loved. He loved Phyllis, he loved having his high school and military buddies over to visit on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, he loved Phoenix Suns basketball, he loved his former cat named Psalms, he loved sending Christmas cards with a few corny jokes included, he loved his longtime caregiver Dani who was with him until the end, he loved watching classic western movies, and much more. One thing Mike especially loved was his childhood home in central Phoenix. It was his greatest wish to spend his final years there, instead of in a hospital. Like Sinatra – Mike did it his way, and his family and friends are very grateful for his joyful passing at home.

Mike is survived by his sisters, Joan Thompson and Angie Rogers, his longtime companion Phyllis Skowronski, and his stepchildren Deborah, Susan, Maryellen, and Thomas.

A graveside ceremony will be held for Mike at St. Francis Ceremony, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ, on April 21, 2025 at 11am.