Joseph P. Bracken Jr., 86, of Summerfield, FL, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the Brandley Hospice House. Born on August 15, 1931 in Boston, MA to the proud parents of Joseph Sr. & Catherine (Kelly) Bracken.
Joseph was a retired Merchant Marine and Stationary Engineer. He lived over 30 years in both Massachusetts and New York before retiring to Summerfield, FL in 1994. Catholic by faith, he served in the Marine Corp during the Korean War and served nine years on the Vietnam Seal Lift with the Merchant Marines, Pensioner of the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Marine Fireman, Oilers and Watertenders Unions. He was a Life Member of American Merchant Marine Veterans (Past National Vice President), Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, National Association of Uniformed Services and Knights of Columbus. Also was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Marion County Veterans Council and a volunteer at Ocala and Marion County Veterans Park.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Elaine and survivors include his son, Michael Bracken; his daughter, Colleen Stuckey; a brother, Edward Bracken; three grandchildren: Shannon, Elise & Jennifer and five great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Zoey, Eddie, Joey and Andrew.
A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be offered on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Summerfield, FL with Inurnment at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at a later date. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 19th from 3 – 5 p.m. at Hiers Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages , FL.
