John M. Bracken

Columbiana - July 8, 2009 - John M. (Jack) Bracken, 84, passed away Wednesday evening at the Hospice House, Poland of complications.

Mr. Bracken was born April 16, 1925 in Johnstown, PA, a son of Twinam and Sylvia Mardis Bracken and the 7th of 15 children. After attending school in Johnstown, Jack served in the US Navy during WW II.

In 1946, he married his wife of 63 years, Sophie Pasternak Bracken who preceded him in death July, 4, 2009.

Jack was employed by the F. J. Egner Trucking Company, Coastal Tank Lines and R & R Mack Company in New Castle, PA before retiring in 2002. He was a Methodist by faith and very proud of his family.

He is survived by two daughters, Darlene Orincsak (the late John Orincsak) and Jeanne Raneri (Joseph Raneri), both of Columbiana; a sister, Dolly (Abe) Coury of Indiana, PA and a brother, Edwin (Joyce) Bracken of Fort Myers, FL. Jack had three grandchildren, Jacqueline (Jackie) Orincsak (her fiancAC., Roy Munn) of Willoughby, OH, Lori Kerchofer (Michael) of Greer, SC, and the late Christopher Orincsak. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Nicholas, Erin, Isaac and Justin Hendershot (Jackie's children) and Jonathan, Cole, and Sophia Kerchofer (Lori's children).

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Viola (Sis), Twinam (Pete), Willard, William, Clarence (Jim), Madge, Hazel, Audrey (Boots), Perry (Pud), Eugene, Raymond, and Sara (Ica).

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana with Deacon Lou Cosentino officiating. Burial will follow in Columbiana Cemetery where the Honor Guard from Benjamin Firestone Post #290 American Legion will accord military honors. Friends may call from 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Material contributions can be made to either Hospice of the Valley or St. Jude Catholic Church.