William Henry Brackett, 85, born on April 23, 1931, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 at his home in Troy, NY. William was the son of John and Florence Brackett of Saratoga Springs and husband of Frances Elizabeth Bracken.

After being honorably discharged from service in the Army, William spent over 50 years as an engineer at ESPEY and enjoyed working at the Saratoga Harness track.

A golfing enthusiast, William was fond of recounting his hole-in-one on the 8th hole of the Galway Golf Course (June 9, 2003). His many pastimes included camping in the Adirondacks, local theater, and cooking. However, his lifelong passion was photography and he leaves behind a vast collection of slides and photographs. Very close to his heart was Give A Child Christmas, a non-profit he and his late wife organized and which he remained an active participant in through this past holiday season.

William was a devoted and loving family man and always looked forward to spending time with his loved ones and friends.  He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law Patsy (Ron) Harris; grandson Walter (Hana) Brackett Jr.; granddaughters Laurie (Paul) Dudka and Kayla (Matt) Brackett; great-grandchildren Anthony Levo, Maddie Hotaling, and Brett Dudka; several cousins, nieces, and nephews, including Candy Knapp, whom he raised like a daughter; and his companion Kay Breen.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Jean; son Walter Brackett Sr.; and siblings John Jr., Robert, and Mary.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

Donations in William’s memory can be made to Give A Child Christmas, C/O Laurie Dudka, 120 Ballard Road #13, Gansevoort, NY 12831.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

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