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Emil Ralph Kehlenbach, age 85, of Branford passed away peacefully on Sept. 7 at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven. He was born in New Haven on Oct. 2, 1931, son of the late Emil and Cecil Kehlenbach.

He is remembered and loved by his wife of 29 years, Gerlinde Hermann Kehlenbach; his children Cindi Smith of St. Charles, Illinois, Brian Kehlenbach (Pam) of Long Beach, California, and Pamela Kehlenbach of Trumbull; his brothers Thomas Kehlenbach (Brenda), Ralph Kehlenbach (Joetta), and Paul Kehlenbach (Jo-Anna); his four grandchildren, Stefan Kehlenbach, Alyssa Kehlenbach, Austin Smith, and Sean Capalbo; his stepchildren Cassandra Prinz and Christopher Kirk (Lorri); his stepgrandchildren, Alyxandra Prinz, Arianna Prinz, and Katie Kirk; and many nieces and nephews.

Emil graduated Branford High School, Branford, in 1949. He served as a Navy Seabee, for the Navy Reserve after high school and then worked as a territory manager for the Quaker Oats Company until his retirement in 1988.

Emil’s lifelong passion was the sea. A member of the Branford Yacht Club, he enjoyed many activities afforded by Branford Harbor, including fishing, crabbing, socializing and, of course, setting sail on his beloved sailboat Mistress. Emil volunteered for the Community Dining Room in Branford for more than 20 years, gathering food for the needy. He was known by his friends and family for his keen wit. He enlivened any gathering, as he loved to joke and tease as well as espouse his deeply held political views. Emil was also a lover and performer of music, playing on string bass with many musical groups throughout his lifetime. His interest in the arts was also exhibited through his deft ability to draw and paint.

There was a private gathering in Branford on Sept. 16 for A Celebration of Life with his family and close friends.

Memorial donations in Emil’s name may be made to the Branford Community Dining Room, 30 Harrison Ave., Ste. 1, Branford, CT 06405.