Philip Joseph Bracke

Philip Joseph Bracke, age 81, of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023.  He was born in Covington, Kentucky, on July 5, 1942 to Joseph and Mary Katherine Bracke (nee Williams). 

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joanne Kloeker and Jimmy Bracke.  Philip is survived by his loving spouse,  Virginia Lee Bracke, and children: Anthony (Colleen) Bracke, Andrew (Tracey) Bracke, Jason (Lesley) Bracke.  He had 9 grandchildren: Ryan Bracke, Samuel Bracke, Julianna Bracke, Kailey Bracke, Jayden Bracke, Sarah Bracke, Philip Bracke, Keagan Bracke, and Anna Bracke.  He was also had many loving nieces and nephews.  

There will be a Memorial Mass at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Covington, Kentucky, on Tuesday,  January 9, at 4:00 pm with a celebration of life immediately following in St. Anthony's hall.   Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Parish Kitchen or Northern Kentucky Special Olympics.  

Philip graduated from Homes High School in 1961 and immediately enlisted into the U.S. Army where he served in Heidelberg, Germany, with the 519th U.S. Transportation Services. 

He married Virginia (Jenny) in July 1962 and they celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. 

Philip loved his work at Delta Airlines where he retired as a Concourse Supervisor in 2001 with 35 years of service. 

Philip was an excellent tennis player who took up running in his 40’s.  He successfully completed three marathons and countless hours of running around the Taylor Mill / Old Taylor Mill loop. 

Philip was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and participated in off road and dual sport events for many years.  He started his motorcycle adventures in high school where he raced Flat Track and the early days of Motocross.  He enjoyed many riding trips, including Daytona Bike Week, riding in Colorado, and his crown jewel, riding sections of the Baja 1000 route. 

Philip spent his later years walking in Pioneer Park every day and chatting with everyone he passed.  He was a skilled mechanic who loved working on vehicles of all kinds for friends and family.   

Philip’s faith was very important to him from his early years serving as an altar boy.  He was a life long member of the Catholic Church currently finding kinship with Father Ivan at St Anthony's.  

Philip lived an adventurous life, faithful to the Catholic Church.  He would tell anyone who would listen about the love and joy he had for his family.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.