Francis Anthony Braccio

He joined the Army at 17 on 1 Oct 1946. He was a member of Military Intelligence before it even existed as a unit.

He enlisted as a private and served 15 years as an enlisted person, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He then was promoted to First Lieutenant in Oct 1961. He would eventually attain the rank of Major. He served in Vietnam in 1968, during the Tet Offensive. He would later suffer from results of exposure to Agent Orange. He retired in 1971 after 25 years of service.

He was made a knight of the Italian Republic in 1971. He was awarded Army of Occupation Medal -Germany, National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), World War II Victory Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal 4th Award, NDSM 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam service medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal w/60 device, 2 overseas service bars, Legion of Merit and bronze star medal.

Frank married Joan Marie Smith on June 12, 1952. They spent their lives living around the world. They shared a great love and constant companionship. Their 72 years of marriage is a model for the rest of us. They lived a great life. Among the countries they lived in: Korea, Germany, Italy, and what would eventually be Yugoslavia. They had 7 children: Joe, Joanne, Mary Jane, Robert, Lois, Michael and Angela. Their children’s birthplaces show their world travels. The oldest 2 were born in Germany, the middle 3 in the U.S. and the youngest 2 were born in Italy.

After he retired from the Army he went back to school. He wanted his master’s degree. He then started teaching. He taught at Seminole Middle school and retired after 15 years of teaching.

His son Robert was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 23. For the next 20 years Frank was alongside Robert the entire way. For every surgery, even the ones in San Diego, he was right by his side. He did research for treatments, this was before the internet, he went to the libraries to read about anything that would help. On Robert’s death bed he held Robert’s feet. It was a long running joke between Frank and Rob that when the Angels came to get Rob that his father would grab onto his feet and hold him here. He did everything he could to keep that promise.

One of his favorite pastimes was playing bridge. He was a long-time member of Pasadena Card Club. He participated up to this year. He was bridge champion multiple times. He loved the game and the comradery. He relished the competitive nature of the game. He was well known for sharing his beloved roses with members of the club

Frank impressed upon all his offspring the importance of learning. He was eager to learn new things and quick to master them. He embraced new technology. From having the first VCR to learning about computers and smart phones. He enjoyed his phone so much we would tease him that he was worse than a teenager with it. He drove a Tesla and loved it. Unfortunately, he lost it along with his home of 53 years during Hurricane Helene

He was not easy on us. He pushed us to always do our best. He particularly loved history. He imparted his lifelong love of learning onto his progeny. All of his children and grandchildren worked hard for his approval. We are better people because of his prodding. He believed in caring for the downtrodden and had significant sympathy for their struggles.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, sisters (Madelyn, Marian, Frances and Angelina), his son Robert and daughter Lois.

One of Frank’s favorite sayings was “Look how much damage 2 people can do.”

He is survived by and left to mourn his passing, his loving wife, 5 children, 30 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren (+2 on the way), 1 great-great-grandchild. Also, his one remaining sibling Jim Braccio, daughter-in-law Kitt Braccio, Son-in-Law Dave Ream, and numerous nieces and nephews will also cherish his memory.

Another favorite saying of Frank’s was “Every day is a good day.” In his honor, let’s continue to make every day a good day.