William Brackett

William Brackett
August 11, 1926 - January 22, 2025
William R. Brackett, 98, of Apollo Beach, Florida, formerly of Wallingford, Connecticut, beloved husband of Georgiane (Gates) Brackett and the late Carol (Strachan) Brackett, peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on January 22, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Boston on August 11, 1926, Bill was the son of the late Raymond and Alfreda (Goodwin) Brackett and the sixth of eight children. He was the last living member of a beautiful generation.
During World War II, Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a plank owner of the USS Eisner (DE-192) and served aboard the USN Gate Tender YNg-39.
Bill began his career with the railroad at the age of 16, working for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad in Readville, Massachusetts. He relocated to Connecticut in the early 1950s for his job and retired as a mechanical supervisor from Metro-North Railroad at age 60.
With over 60 years as a Mason, Bill was a member of Compass Lodge No. 9 in Wallingford and was a Royal Arch Mason with Keystone Chapter No. 27.
Bill's talents spanned many trades, from home renovations and gardening to crafting fine mahogany jewelry chests for his family. His hybrid tea roses were exquisite, each known by name, with the Peace Rose being his favorite.
Family was at the heart of Bill's life. His care and dedication deeply affected both Carol and Georgiane. Bill lived with purpose, gratitude, and a love for life. He often shared, "If God gives you today, do something with it." He was known for his joyful spirit, forward-looking mindset, and ability to bring laughter wherever he went. Even in his final days, Bill maintained an active, independent life. He led exercise classes in his community three times a week for 30 years, organized the "lunch bunch" outings every Thursday, enjoyed music and dancing on Fridays, attended church on Sundays, and gathered for family dinners. He instilled in his family the values of loving the Lord, keeping your word, listening well, and loving people unconditionally.
Bill was predeceased by his first love and wife of 68 years, Carol (Strachan) Brackett and his daughter Ruth (Brackett) Copeland. In addition to his wife Georgiane, Bill is survived by his son, William R. Brackett Jr. (Brenda) of Poinciana, FL; his daughters, Susan (Brackett) Clark (Jerome) of Sun City Center, FL; June Brackett (Jim Hart); and Beth (Brackett) Parcells (Robert), all of Wallingford; eleven grandchildren: Susan (Copeland) Burr (Allan); Alicia (Clark) Mancarella (Anthony); Michael Copeland (Renee); Amy Brackett; Caroline (Fahey) McDowell (Shawn); Jessica (Clark) Bratton (Ronald); Erin (Fahey) Reig (Dana); Joshua Clark (Eva); William Parcells; Drew Brackett, and Sarah Parcells; twenty-one great-grandchildren, David, Emily, Ryan, Faith, Megan, Kristofer, Paige, Adam, Patrick, Bryan, Noah, Grace, Sarah, Rocco, Isabella, Sophia, Alyssa, Isabella, Mackenzie, Levi, and Marena; 13 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Bill's family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main, Street Ext., Wallingford, on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Yalesville United Methodist Church, 8 New Place Street, Yalesville, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, 817 Old Colony Road, Meriden.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to Yalesville United Methodist Church or a charity of your choosing.