Albert Brandin “Brandy” Vestal, Jr.

ALBERT BRANDIN “BRANDY” VESTAL, JR., 87, of Weirton, WV, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Chattanooga, TN, with his wife and daughter at his side. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Brandy was raised in the close-knit community of Chatham Village on Mount Washington. A gifted athlete, he was recruited by Joe Paterno to play football at Penn State University, where he served as a kicker for the Nittany Lions. After a year, Brandy answered a higher calling and proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. Following his military service, Brandy returned home and pursued his education, graduating from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Jean Jaracz, in a serendipitous moment at a birthday party. Their witty first exchange of Brandy asking Sandy “Who are you trying to impress? and Sandy replying “Sure as hell not you!” blossomed into a lifelong romance, and the two were married on November 24, 1962. Brandy and Sandy began their married life in Allentown, PA, before settling in Sandy’s hometown of Weirton, where she worked as a registered nurse and Brandy began a long and successful career with Weirton Steel, as the Manager of Production Planning. In December of 1963, they welcomed their daughter Renea, followed by their son Shawn in 1966. Brandy’s passion for family was unmatched. He was a devoted husband and a proud father, never missing a game, recital, or family outing. He spent countless hours coaching basketball and little league and cheered loudly from the sidelines as Shawn went on to score over 1,000 points in high school basketball. Brandy cherished his role as “Papper” to his grandchildren, attending every dance recital, sports game, and school event with unrelenting pride and enthusiasm. His love of sports extended to cheering for the Steelers and Penguins, watching games from his favorite chair at home with his dog Molly at his side. He also enjoyed golfing with his buddies,and boating, and water skiing at Seneca Lake with his family. Known for his orneriness and quick wit, Brandy had a knack for teasing those he cared about most. He was never afraid to speak his mind and was deeply respected for his honesty and vibrant spirit. Even in his later years, he embraced adventure—at 82, he jumped out of a plane with his daughter and granddaughter, embodying his lifelong motto of “always keep a positive attitude.” Brandy nourished his faith at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, in Weirton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Brandin Vestal Sr. and Cecelia Bonini Vestal, as well as his brothers, John and Peter Vestal. Brandy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family, including his beloved wife of 62 years, Sandra Jean Jaracz Vestal; daughter, Renea Vestal Jones; son, Shawn Brandin (Stacee) Vestal; five grandchildren, Ciara (Caitlyn) Blum, Breann (Caleb) Duncan, Madison Vestal, Dylan Vestal, and Macy Vestal; and three great-grandchildren, Brandin Baylon Blum, Callan Harper Duncan, and Josephine Dawn Duncan. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Heritage Funeral Home with Father Charlie Burton officiating. Interment will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Chattanooga National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the United States Army. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 200 Preston Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.