Susan L. Brancazio

Susan L. Brancazio, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and sister, as well as a beloved educator and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026. Born on April 6, 1953, in Steubenville, Ohio, Susan was the daughter of the late Orlea T. Pratt Jr. and Nancy Jean (Blake) Pratt. She was a bright light whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Susan was also preceded in death by her brother David T. Pratt; maternal grandparents, Anna and Donald Blake; paternal grandparents, Orlea T. and Florence Pratt, Sr; and in-laws Dominic (Keta), Daniel, and John (Sara) Brancazio.

A 1971 graduate of Weir High School, Susan then studied Elementary Education at West Liberty State College and later earned her Master’s degree from West Virginia University. A dedicated teacher, Susan spent her career shaping young minds at Hancock County Schools for over 35 years, pouring her heart into every lesson and nurturing a love of learning in her students. She fondly called her students her “love bugs.”

Her passion for education was rivaled only by her love for family and friends. She was known to frequent the local eateries with her husband, often greeted by name with her iced tea waiting for her on the table. Her love for Hallmark Channel movies brought joy and comfort to her life, and she would readily share these moments with loved ones.

Christian by faith, Susan was an active member of her church community, previously serving as a Deacon and Vacation Bible School Coordinator, where she shared not only her commitment to faith but also her infectious smile and warmth.

Susan was never one to know a stranger, and her enthusiastic spirit was a ray of sunshine for anyone lucky enough to cross her path. Well known for her hugs, she brought comfort and cheer to all those who needed it, reminding everyone around her that positivity and kindness could light up even the darkest days.

Susan leaves behind her devoted husband, Stephen, her beloved daughter, Brianna and her husband Larry Stroup of McCandless, PA; cherished granddaughter, Hazel Stroup; sister, Linda (Ed) Kennedy of Weirton, WV. She is also survived by a loving extended family that includes brothers-in-law Jared (Amy) and Thomas Brancazio; sister-in-law, Joan (Jim) Dayoub; as well as several nieces and nephews and a host of friends to carry on her memory.

Susan’s family would like to thank Dr. Cherian John and his staff, as well as the Valley Hospice staff for all of the wonderful, loving care and comfort they provided Susan.

In celebration of Susan’s life, her family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM until time of the 12:00 PM funeral service at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Committal services followed by entombment will take place at Highland Hills Memorial Gardens, Follansbee, WV.

As we gather to share stories, smiles, laughter, and hugs, let us remember Susan not with sadness, but with the love and joy she imparted to our lives. Her legacy lives on in the hearts she touched and in the countless moments of happiness she created. She was truly a loving and kind soul.

Donations in memory of Susan should be made to St. Jude Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Valley Hospice at www.valleyhospice.org

Share tributes with her family at www.grecohertnick.com