Daniel Braginsky

Daniel Pinchosovich Braginsky was born on July 29, 1934 in Kiev, USSR (now known as Kyiv, Ukraine) to Basya Markman and Peter (Pinchus) Braginsky. He was followed by his younger brother Mikhail (Misha). He grew up in the industrial and blue collar Podol (or Podil in Ukrainian) neighborhood, also known for its concentration of Jewish residents. In Podol he made many friends and honed his love for humor, entertainment, poetry and athletics. He took on weightlifting as a teenager and developed his love for soccer.

During his time in the Army he gained popularity with his commanding officers through his ferocious play as an midfielder and captain of the base’s soccer team, despite standing a mere 162 cm (5’4”) tall. His infectious humor and personality endeared him to his colleagues, friends, relatives, kids and grandkids.

He would later marry Irina Braginsky (nee Groisberg) in 1959 that resulted in 65 years of marriage. The pair received White House greetings from two U.S. sitting presidents, one commemorating 50 years of marriage and another one at 60.

Soon after, in 1960 Daniel fathered his sole child with Irina, a girl named Yanina Kovler (nee Braginsky). At his home, in the center of Kiev, Daniel built a workshop suspended from the ceiling of his residence where he would fix anything from home appliances, children’s toys, invent gadgets, and develop family photos on his own. He was a do-it-all taskmaster. Daniel continued club soccer for his team Spartak Kyiv FC into the early 1960s, and was a die hard fan of professional soccer team FC Dynamo Kyiv.

Daniel was also a highly decorated and dedicated employee at the main plant in Ukraine responsible for repairing all agricultural machinery. He achieved the title of Head of Quality Control at the plant, and was the highest non Communist party ranking manager at the facility.

At the age of 57 Daniel, his wife Irina, and his mother-in-law Khanna Shafir immigrated to the U.S. to join his daughter and her family, Yakov Kovler and grandson Stanley Kovler. Daniel would enshrine his love and dedication to those dear to him. He continued to write poetry and commentary well into his twilight. Whether it was poetry, a humorous toast, a dance number, you knew you were going to laugh with him.

While his health was still robust enough to travel, Daniel enjoyed many road trips throughout the U.S. and loved to drive. He always felt useful behind the wheel of his car. He thoroughly enjoyed making people laugh until their bellies ached and loved it when his great grandchildren would come over to visit him.

Daniel is survived by his wife Irina, daughter Yanina, son-in-law Yakov, grandson Stanley, and great-grandsons Andrew Philip Kovler and David Aaron Kovler.

A funeral service for Daniel will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 from 9:45 AM to 10:15 AM at Nevsky Yablokoff Memorial Chapels, 1700 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 83-45 Cypress Hills St, New York, NY 11385.