Photo courtesy of O'Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - South Hadley
South Hadley, Massachusetts
Oct 28, 1945 – May 5, 2025
Walter Glennie Brakey, Jr., known to most as Glenn, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at the age of 79 in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Born on October 28, 1945, to Walter and Gladys (Prior) Brakey, Glenn was a proud graduate of Holyoke High School and Springfield College. He served his country as a Naval Cryptologist on active duty for two years and continued his commitment in the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1989 as a Chief Cryptologist. His civilian career included engineering work at a Springfield Foundry and later as a Senior Cost Engineer at Hasbro.
Glenn was a man of quiet intelligence, humility, and deep kindness. A devoted husband, he was predeceased by the love of his life, Elizabeth Moffat Brakey, whom he married in 1966, and his brother David in 2003. He is survived by, his sister Laurie Lapointe and her husband Randy of Greenwich, CT, cousins Barbara Connor of Vermont and Beverley Ritchea of Athol, his cherished Navy family, and extended family and friends. Glenn also leaves behind his dedicated caretaker Jennifer Carleton and her husband Matthew, who became like family.
His passions were simple yet meaningful: coin collecting, nature photography, and fishing at the Quabbin. In his later years, as mobility declined, Glenn found comfort in his recliner and stayed informed through his beloved Fox News.
Walt, Glenn, Walter…whatever name you knew him by, it was synonymous with kindness. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Whether through Christmas cards, cookies, or just his warm demeanor, Glenn made people feel cared for. His presence lit up any room—from doctor’s offices to care facilities—where staff and friends alike adored his calm nature and kindness. Stubborn at times, yes, but he was also the smartest person many of us knew—sharp as ever right to the end.
The family wishes to thank the compassionate teams at Day Brook Village, Renaissance Manor, and Beacon Hospice for their dedicated care.
Friends and family are invited to Walter's graveside service on Monday, May 19th at 10 am at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
In honor of Glenn, memorial contributions can be made to Beacon Hospice, Folds of Honor, or the Wounded Warrior Project. For more information, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com
Read MoreGlenn was my elderly mother's neighbor in South Hadley for many years. He was a kind and gentle person. Glenn kept a watchful eye on her & the house as she got on in years.
We are sorry to hear of his passing, and extend our condolences to all his friends and family.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Rudy & Maryanne Elias
(daughters of Mary Lenarcen)
Kathryn Rudy
May 29, 2025 | Glen Cove, NY | Neighbor
I was blessed to have Glennie as my "Paton" 2nd cousin. He and I shared the same great grandparents, Peter Paton and Elizabeth MacLeod (McKenzie) Paton, who immigrated from Scotland and settled in Holyoke. They were his father's mother's parents. It was an honor and privilege to have known him. We Paton cousins particularly loved seeing him at Paton family reunions, and we knew he loved seeing all of us as well. He attended as many reunions as possible, and we all have fond and wonderful...
Cyndi Bishop
May 09, 2025 | Webster, MA | Family
Walter was a good man. I knew Walt through his best friend and fishing partner Richard Steinbock (now departed). They were both into fishing Quabbin Reservoir as did I. We got to know each other through a Forum named MaAnglers. Both Rich and Walt were good contributors to the forum with pictures and stories. I considered them as my friends. Rest in Peace Walter. I hope you and Cresty have a Quabbin to fish together in heaven.
GARY PALMER
May 09, 2025 | Friend
I was always sorry I didn’t meet him earlier, but looked forward to seeing him at cousins reunions
Shirley Porter
May 07, 2025 | Family
