Ralph W. Brake

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Ralph Brake Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - Ralph Wilson Brake, Colonel, United States Army (retired), 91, passed away on Nov. 1, 2009, at his home in The Chesapeake.
Born Oct. 9, 1918, in Rocky Mount, N.C., he earned an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a graduate degree from Harvard University.
Mr. Brake proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years. He was a combat veteran of World War II and two tours of duty in Vietnam as well as assignments in Germany, the Philippines and Korea. Among his many awards and decorations were the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Combat Medal with three bronze stars, and the Vietnam Service Medal with five bronze stars.
He was an active member of the Bushmaster's Association and the Virginia Camellia Society, a volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum, and a proud member of The Funny Farm team at The Chesapeake.
Mr. Brake will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Phyllis Bates Brake; four brothers and three sisters.
Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Karen Barrett and husband, Bill of Ellicott City, Md., Jacqueline Jordan of Williamsburg, and Mary Brake of Charlottesville; and granddaughter, Gwendolyn Vila and husband, Robert of Hollywood, Fla.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 100 West Queens St., Hampton, VA.
Interment will be in the family cemetery in Rocky Mount, N.C. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Brake

10 Entries

Ruth Powell

November 22, 2009

Remembering Ralph for many, many years of Bushmaster reunions. I remember very well the reunion he planned and held in Virginia Beach. He and I were the committee that planned the Colorado Springs reunion and for that reason had many long telephone conversations. He was so considerate and concerned with the Bushmaster widows. Sympathy to the family. I will miss him in Kansas City.

November 17, 2009

I met your Dad several times at Bushmaster reunions and enjoyed talking with him. He was such a gentleman and I know he will be missed by many. My sincere sympathy to the family.

Virginia Jansen, Rockford, Illinois

Dorina & Arnette

November 11, 2009

Dear Jacque, we just wanted to say that you are still in our thoughts and prayers and we are so very sorry about your dad. Dorinda & Arnette (Need Center)

Stephenson

November 4, 2009

Dear Jacque,
Sorry to hear about your loss. We had seen him only a month ago at Bennett's Creek Nursery. He brought this huge birthday card he received so we can all see. He will definitely be missed. God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Dan and Maria

Lyle & Nancy Bagley

November 4, 2009

As our dear back door neighbors for nearly a quarter century, Ralph and Phyllis Brake were very special to us. Our memories include numerous joint projects, many hours of just sitting and talking with them, and a personal interview by our daughter of Ralph as a very significant World War II veteran and career officer. Since his move to the Chesapeake, we have enjoyed several dinners with Ralph at his favorite restaurants, most recently to celebrate his 91st birthday. Our yard is peppered with bushes, shrubs, and trees that Ralph either gave us or helped us with in some way, and serves as a constant reminder of his friendship for many years. Both he and Phyllis will be missed.

Jacque, Mary, Karen, and Gwen, know that you are in our prayers as we grieve with you at the loss of a great father, grandfather, and friend. God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Patricia Riesbeck

November 3, 2009

Dear Jacque,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your stories of him were so touching, I felt as if I knew him. Love, Patty Riesbeck

November 3, 2009

Jacque...was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I always enjoyed hearing you speak of him, and was always impressed by his obvious love of life and family. You are in my thoughts and prayer. Mary Ellen

November 3, 2009

Dear Jacque
Your father sounds like a wonderful man who lived a full and happy life. You and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Christine Burns, NEED Center

November 3, 2009

Jacque,
I'm thinkin' on you and sending you energy and love. Love Alice Ayles

November 3, 2009

Dear Jacque,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as your father goes to his Heavenly Home. It was so wonderful to read about him and all the things he accomplished during his life. He sounds like a brilliant and resilient, strong man. I know his many positive values and qualities live on through you and all the family, and in the effect he had on the military and his community. Sincerely, Linda Knowlton Rawls Byrd Bright Beginnings

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