Ferdinard Harry Braga

Ferdinard Harry Braga, 92, of Hebron and formerly of East Hartford, passed away peacefully with his granddaughter holding his hand on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. Harry was the loving husband of over 69 years to Mary (Hoffman) Braga. Born in Hartford on November 7, 1930, a son of the late Romano and Julia (D’Ambrogi) Braga, he had been a resident of the East Hartford area for most of his life. Harry was a graduate of East Hartford High School, class of 1950 and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Prior to his retirement, Harry was the owner, operator, and licensed electrician for many years of Hoffman Electric in East Hartford. After retirement, Harry continued to work part-time at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home in East Hartford. At the funeral home, Harry enjoyed opening and closing doors for many visitors and reconnecting with many local residents. He was a talented wood worker, played drums in a couple former bands, and liked hunting and fishing. He loved traveling with his wife, especially to Europe, Hawaii, and 42 states in the United States, and spending winters down in Englewood, Florida for over 25 years. Harry was a long time member of the American Legion Post #95 in Hebron, and honorary member of the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, and a life member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #2202 in Glastonbury. Most of all, Harry was a hard working gentleman who took pride in being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.

Along with his beloved wife, Harry is survived by three daughters, Kathy Saimininkas of East Hartford and Englewood, FL, Karen Doiron and her husband Ron of Hebron, Mary McManus of Columbia; and a son, Ed Braga and his wife Diane of Lebanon. He also leaves nine adored grandchildren; four cherished great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, former customers, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Harry was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jenn Saimininkas of East Hartford; a sister, Henrietta Terazzi of South Windsor; and two sisters-in-law, Jean Hart of East Hartford and Millie Chapman of Florida.

Harry’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday morning (July 29, 2023) from 9 am to 10 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will be at Silver Lane Cemetery Veteran’s Memorial Field, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harry’s name may be made to the Hebron Fire Department, 44 Main Street, Hebron, CT 06248. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.