Joseph Anthony Bracco, Sr.

Joseph Anthony Bracco, Sr., 80, of Springfield, passed away at 12:04 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Joe was born August 13, 1935 in Springfield, the son of Thomas and Mary Laurenzana Bracco. He married Mary Margaret "Babe" Ray in 1958; she preceded him in death in 2003. Joe was a graduate of Cathedral Boys High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Franklin Life Insurance Company. Joe was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he was an usher, altar acolyte, and Eucharistic minister. He also served the community by volunteering at local funeral homes as a pallbearer. Joe was an avid John Wayne fan and memorabilia collector. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Frank; and two sisters, Theresa Shures and Mary Michelina "Mickey" Mounce. He is survived by his sons, Joseph (wife, Karen) Bracco II and Jeffrey Bracco, both of Springfield; one daughter, Janet L. (husband, Santos) Falcon of Springfield; two grandchildren, Adam J. (wife, Kelly) and April A. Bracco; four siblings, Rev. Theodore Bracco, O.F.M. of Quincy, Jesuit Brother Thomas Bracco S.J. of Santa Clara, CA, Anthony Bracco of Sherman, and Margaret Leckrone of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1345 North 6th St., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Steven A. Janoski, celebrant and Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga, concelebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.