General Information
Full Name: Milton Braff
Date of Death: Friday, January 2, 2026
Milton Braff of Montvale, formerly of Fair Lawn, passed away peacefully January 2, eight days shy of his 97 th birthday.
Milton was predeceased by his wife Phyllis, to whom he was happily married for 64 years before her passing in 2017. Milton and Phyllis met on a blind date with two other couples in what must have been a confusing evening, since all three men were named Milton!
He is survived by his son Mark and his wife Laura; his daughter Sari and her husband John; grandchildren Gregg and spouse Kelly; Jason and spouse Colleen; and Emma; great- grandchildren Charlotte, Sarah, Grant, Emily and Logan.
In addition to Phyllis, Milton was predeceased by his mother Ethel and father, Elias (“Ed”); and sister Beverly.
Milton was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a great provider for his family. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from City College of New York, he worked his way up the ladder at ink manufacturing companies, including Sinclair Valentine, before starting his own ink and varnish company, Prismacolor, in the late 1960s. He ran the Manhattan and later Clifton-based “Prisma” for over 30 years before selling the company in 1993. He continued working as a sales consultant and advisor in the ink manufacturing industry into his 90s, a testament to his remarkable dedication and love of his work. His motto: “If you’re going to do a job, do it right.”
Aside from family and work, Milton enjoyed following the Yankees, Knicks and football Giants. With the Knicks now established as NBA title contenders after many years of struggling, the Braff family would love to see the team give a final gift to Milton by winning a championship this spring.
A graveside funeral service was held January 4 at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, where Milton was reunited with Phyllis, the love of his life.
Anyone wishing to honor Milton is encouraged to do so by donating to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Service Information
Sunday, January 4, 2026
11:30 AM
Service and Burial At:
Cedar Park Cemetery
735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Braff at a ballet performance of Pennsylvania Ballet. I had the delight of being at the school of Pennsylvania Ballet while daughter then, Sari Braff was an apprentice with the company. I’m still not sure how he knew who I was. But he certainly did. He was very aware of my friendship with Sari during my time at the ballet school. We were inseparable. Sari took me to NYC for my first time. It was as Sari would say, “THE BEST”. So many beautiful and vivid memories of our time there. I think Sari might have told them about me and our closeness. He came up to me in the lobby during intermission. Accompanied by a stunningly elegant woman. Enveloped in a full-length red fox coat. This of course was Mrs. Braff, Phyllis. We chatted briefly about the performance. I believe it was Seranade. A ballet I couldn’t get enough of. Especially watching Sari in this beautiful ballet. Mr. Braff mentioned how he knew that Sari and I were close. The next thing…. as easily as saying, “hello”. He rather of leaned into me. As if about to share a secret. He told me, “If there’s anything I can do for you. Any help you might need. Please let me know.” I was struck by his candid kindness. So, I just answered, “yes Sir, thank you very much.”
Sari was raised in a truly loving household by 2 beautiful people who were clearly so in love and thought the world of each other and their family.
I remember one time Sari was going through some of pics Phyllis had sent to her while in Philly. Sari held one up and giggled. She looked at the back and Phillis had titled the picture, “Clone at 10”. So beautiful. Sari got Phyllis’s beauty and Mr. Braff’s kind and generous heart.
Rest in Peace
Dear Mr. Braff
Dear Sari, John and Emma and to the family of Milton Braff,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and to your family at this sad time. What a beautiful and long life your father lived. I hope all your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Love and sympathy,
Denise