Chesapeake

Gary Scott Bracken, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 18, 2014 surrounded and embraced by his loved ones. Gary's love & laughter, smile, kind heart & gentle soul as well as his warm, supportive nature made him a dearly loved relative and friend to many.

Left to cherish Gary's memory are his soul mate and wife of 42 years, Julie Kay Vermilya Bracken (62); three children, Jennifer Lynn Bracken (38), Kathryn Jean Bracken Harris (34), and John Austin Bracken (28); Kathryn's husband Robert David Harris (38); three grandchildren, Matthew Scott (14), Liam Morgen (5), and Emma Kaylin (2). Gary was the beloved son of Dodie Whitley Bracken and older brother to Jeff & Andrea Bracken and Laura Jean Bracken.

Gary is also survived by: Bracken nieces and nephews Gillian & Eddie Soulliere, Kelsey & Adam Murray, Hal Bracken, and their mother Nancy Kelley Bracken. Maternal cousins Sue Ross, daughters Amy and Laura; Scott & Trisha Wartenberg, son David & Jenna; David & Cheryl Wartenberg, sons Andrew and Tim, Frank & Pat Johnson, Jim Johnson. In-laws John & Ruby Vermilya; Jean & Burm Misenar, son Steve, children Andy and Cheri, children Dakota and Hailey, son Eric & Kristen, sons Blake and Max; Jane & Stan VanDyke, son Noe & Michelle Klumpp, children Kylie & Aaron Kohrs and Michael, daughter Michelle & Joel Mills, son Shawn; Janet Tiefry, children James and Martha. Dear friends Aunt Nonie Franz, Cynthia Shattuck, The Gosch Family, Cheryl May, Roxanne & Sam Muhlmeister, Nelle Carlsmith, and many dear Aetna co-workers. Gary was predeceased by his father, Harold Austin Bracken; maternal grandparents Ray Whitley (PopPop) & Kay Johnson Whitley (MomMom); maternal aunt Judy Whitley, maternal aunt and uncle Claire & George Wartenberg, paternal grandfather Chet Bracken, paternal grandmother Sadie Austin Bracken & step-grandfather Art Egan, and nephew Tim Misenar.

Gary was born March 10, 1952 in Santa Monica, California and lived in Anaheim and Yorba Linda before moving to Franklin, Michigan in 1963. He played Little League Baseball in California & Michigan. In 1970, Gary graduated from Groves High School in Birmingham, Michigan where he was a star pitcher. As freshmen on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, he met his future wife Julie. Gary was also a member of Phi Kappa Psi at Michigan State and would later graduate with a Bachelor of Science.

Gary and Julie moved to California in 1975 where their three children were born and Julie was a much-loved teacher with Valley Center Public Schools for 25 years. Gary retired from Aetna in 2012 after 19 years of service as a marketing analyst and moved to Chesapeake, Virginia to spend more time with his family and grandchildren. Prior to working in the health care field, Gary worked in the auto industry, started his own computer desktop publishing company and graphic design businesses, and was ahead of his time as a stay-at-home dad.

Gary was a true Renaissance man with a wide range of talents, abilities and interests. He was a naturally gifted athlete who shared his love of baseball, football, and other sports. Gary was incredibly creative; he was an artist, a designer and a craftsman. He was also mechanically inclined and loved everything about cars; conception, design, models, racing, auto shows and rebuilding a car with his son, John. Gary loved to help everyone and his ability to tackle Honey-Do lists will be dearly missed. He gave the best hugs and always shared his love of life with family & friends. The simple things mattered most: time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends; cooking his famous quiche & omelets or grilling in the backyard, seeing his favorite movies, watching TV, reading, working in the yard & on cars, playing the guitar, listening to his favorite music, sharing stories and his endless thirst for knowledge.

Gary will be remembered as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

A Celebration of Gary's Life was held 2 pm Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the family home in Chesapeake, VA.

Memorial donations may be made to The Memorial Fund for Gary S. Bracken at Monarch Bank, 750 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320.