John S. "Jack" Bracken

John S. Bracken (82), of Eltingville, Staten Island passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 surrounded by love from his immediate family.

John, more affectionately known as Jack, was born on November 28, 1942 on Staten Island to John and Evelyn Bracken. John grew up on Staten Island but spent most of his adult life in Manhattan and The Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York. While John was born a city man, he always heard the call of the wild deep in his heart. After spending many years in the city, he left for the peacefulness of the Upstate New York Catskill Mountain Range. There he spent his final years in harmony and total freedom, something he valued beyond words.

As a young man, John served as a Paratrooper in the United States Army which was followed by a career in the FDNY during which he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Throughout his life, John was a business owner, real estate investor, and restaurateur. One of his many ventures included being the proprietor of The Cathedral Cafe, a well established bar/restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, featured in both television and film.

John married his loving wife, Maureen Elizabeth Murphy Bracken, on July 18, 1981 in New York City and together they shared 44 years of love and companionship. He is survived by his wife (Maureen Elizabeth Bracken, née Murphy), his daughter (Casey Elizabeth Ryan), his son-in-law (James Raymond Ryan III), and his grandson (James Raymond Ryan IV (JR)), his niece (Donna Bracken Albanese) and her husband (Jody Albanese), nephews (Richard Bracken JR. and Brian Bracken), great nephew (Richard Bracken III), and great nieces (Kristy and Jennifer Albanese).