Charles Harry Bracken, II

Published 11:35 am Friday, May 19, 2023

Charles Harry Bracken, II died May 5, 2023, after a short illness. Mr. Bracken is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Virginia (nee Price) Bracken.  He was born in McKeesport, PA on December 15, 1942 and was the son the late Arabella (Starr) and Harry Oliver Bracken.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Bracken (Chuck) is survived by his daughters Kelly Tait (Andrew) of Doylestown, PA and Kristen Cheney (Kasey) of West Grove, PA; grandchildren Conor Tait, Morgan Tait, Cole Cheney and Keira Cheney; his sister Susan Bracken of Housatonic, MA, along with his nephew Tim Milligan, niece Kate Tucci and their families.

Chuck was a graduate of Pennsylvania Military College.  He served two tours in Vietnam and was twice awarded the Bronze Star for heroism, once with the added distinction of Valor.  Over the next 30 years, Chuck continued to serve his country in both active duty and reserve duty positions.  During that time Chuck attained the rank of Colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit.  In 2002 he was inducted into the Officers Candidate School Hall of Fame at Ft. Benning, GA.

Chuck was the Senior Buyer in the Contracts and Purchasing Department of Chester County, Pennsylvania for close to 20 years.  Upon his retirement, he and Virginia (Ginny) moved to Chocowinity, NC where he enjoyed taking his boat out on the Pamlico River, staying active with the Cypress Landing community’s Building & Grounds Committee and Marina Association.  He was a member of the Blue Hats charitable organization and spent many hours volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.  He was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, NC and served as an Elder.  

Chuck was a master at fixing all things.  He loved to tinker, and had a tool for every odd job imaginable.  He had no greater joy than hosting his grandchildren who loved to visit and follow him around on his daily trips to the marina and help him in his garage workshop.  He had an uncanny ability to connect with animals and always had a faithful dog right at his side.  In 2022 Chuck and Ginny moved back to Chester County, PA to be closer to family.

In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s memory would best be honored with a donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Chester, PA; First Presbyterian Church, Washington, NC; or Habitat for Humanity.

Funeral Services will be on June 3, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Chester, PA at 2:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be private.