Hugh Joseph Bracken

Sandwich, MA, SGMJ Hugh Joseph Bracken, US Army, Ret., 85, of Sandwich MA, and Central Islip, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Hugh was born August 5, 1930 to Mildred Volle and Hugh Bracken in Brooklyn, NY. Hugh is predeceased by his parents, brother and sister, and his youngest son, Firefighter Kevin Hugh Bracken FDNY, who died serving at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Hugh was the loving husband of Mary Elizabeth Bracken and is fondly remembered by his children and their spouses: Bill and Nancy Bracken, McGraw, NY, Mary and Richard Carlson of Sandwich, MA, Kathy and Jim Brown, Houston, TX, Patty and Chuck Sample, Cypress, TX, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Liang and Mark Arezzi, grandchildren, Joel and Rosalind Carlson, Kerin Carlson and Antonis Venekes, Keara Brown and Mallory Brown, Justine Arezzi and Luke Arezzi, and great-Grandson, Evan Carlson. He will be missed by his extended family of Brackens and Nortons as well. Hugh was raised in Queens where he attended public school. He convinced his mom to sign him into the Army and then began a military career that was more than twenty years. He retired as a Sergeant Major in 1969 to Central Islip, NY. Hugh began another career as "Sarge," teaching Jr. ROTC at The La Salle Military Academy in Sayville, NY. He helped raise many fine young men and future soldiers during his years at La Salle, and enjoyed his time there very much. One of his cherished honors was being named an honorary Christian Brother of La Salle by the Christian Brothers of La Salle Military Academy. Hugh was a proud member of the Central Islip Volunteer Fire Dept. where he served for many years and served as a Captain before he retired and moved to Sandwich MA. He made many treasured lifetime friends in the CIFD. Hugh was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Sandwich.

A service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 12:00 at Corpus Christi Church, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd., East Sandwich, MA, immediately followed by a Military service at the Massachusetts National Cemetery at Otis AFB at 1:45.

Please make any memorial donations to The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, New York, 10475 www.nyffburncenter.com or The New York Police & Fire Widows & Children's Benefit Fund www.answerthecall.org.