Leonardo, New Jersey
Romance on the Ferry
Alfred J. Braca and his wife, Jean, met on the Staten Island Ferry. He was smitten; she was not. He pleaded for a date, and she said no. But he persisted, and she finally gave in after they shared a marathon 12-hour phone conversation. On that date, "he gave me one kiss," his wife recalled. "And I said, 'Maybe this is not so bad.' "
That first kiss bloomed into 33 years of marriage, and a good life with four children, David, Deanna, Christina and Christopher, in Leonardo, N.J. Mr. Braca, 54, was a born-again Christian who never stopped counting his blessings.
He worked as a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, where co-workers nicknamed him The Rev because of his faith. Just last month, Mr. Braca walked Deanna down the aisle for her wedding. His funeral service will take place in the same church.
Our pastor spoke about Al's life and faith in the message yesterday. To his family, I know it still hurts. My Dad went home to be with the Lord in '98, but at least we don't have to grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). How wonderful to be in the very presence of Jesus? I can only imagine! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s8HMmvN-Jc
Pat Shoukry
September 12, 2021 | Parsippany, NJ
Remembering Alfred on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 02, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
I'm lifting up a prayer today for Alfred's family and ask that God richly bless you in some way as Alfred blessed so many when he was here. With very much love from Texas,
Del Newberry
March 27, 2018 | Garland, TX
May your soul rest in peace
pamela brown
March 03, 2018 | Miami, FL
I remember reading this story and my heart was so relieved. My childhood best friend lost her niece in Sept. 11. I use to see her all the time as a chiId and got re-acquainted with her the week before at my baby shower. I didn't know what her relationship with God was, but was so relieved when I heard this story of Al leading the people to Christ that day.
brunilda medina
September 10, 2014 | Levittown, NY
Today I'm reading this story for the very 1st time. Tomorrow, September 11th 2014, I will share it with a group of women at our weekly church Bible Study. What a message of love and a legacy of Godliness Al has left; and to the Braca family, thank you for sharing the memory of your loved one with us. He is still making a Godly impact, years later!
M B
September 10, 2014 | CA
God Bless You
elizabeth Eversfield
April 22, 2014 | United Kingdom
To the family - As a pastor I have also used the story of your husband in my sermons and this Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 I will share it again in a message, What do we Really Care About? I have prayer many times for those who lost loved ones in 9/11 - out of your loss and suffering many have met a man who they would probably never know and the love he had for God and his family. I pray today God will Bless All of You - With much Love, David
David George
September 07, 2013 | Millboro, VA
I walked a mile for you (mile #237) on 5/17/13 as a dedication to your life.
Barbara Boam
July 01, 2013 | Colorado Springs, CO