Anthony Bracco, age 91 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ.
Born at home on January 5, 1933, son of the late Michael and Anna (Tiero) Bracco, he had resided in Raritan Township since 1970.
Raised in New York City, Anthony would meet the love of his life, Marianne Vecchio, and the pair would join hands in holy matrimony on October 2, 1954. Together, they made their first home in Brooklyn, NY. After almost a decade, in September of 1965, the young family, now complete with four children, packed up their belongings and moved to Three Bridges, NJ, to be closer to family. They would stay in Three Bridges for the next five years when they moved to Flemington, NJ, where Anthony resided ever since.
Working at the Fulton Fish Market in New York City for many years, as well as for Cantalupo Carting/Local 813. In 1977, the commuting to New York City finally got to Anthony, and it was then that he and Marianne decided to follow their hearts and open an Italian deli in Flemington, named, “Bracco’s Deli”. Opening on January 28, 1978, Bracco’s was the first to introduce Boar’s Head Provision deli meats to the Flemington community. Anthony soon became well-known for his handmade and delicious Italian sausage, pasta sauces, manicotti, and other Italian delights. Bracco’s was proud to be the first deli to introduce the 6’ sub to the community as well.
In September of 1985, the Bracco’s opened their second location in Lambertville, NJ. The entire Bracco family was beyond proud to serve the Hunterdon County community. Anthony retired in 2000, but continued to make his Italian specialities for family and friends!
An avid New York sports fan who loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, Anthony used to often go to Yankee Stadium and on many occasions would take his deli employees to the games. He was quite the baseball player back in his day, having proudly earned six medals from the New York City Police Athletic League.
Anthony and Marianne also enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii, a place where they made countless trips. He had his favorite spot watching people in the “wind tunnel” (as he called it) at the Sheraton Waikiki. Together, the couple enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural Center, the North Shore to watch the big waves, and enjoyed learning more about the history of Pearl Harbor. Whenever it sprinkled there, he would call the Hawaiian Rain, “pineapple juice”.
Though work, sports, and traveling were bright spots in Anthony’s life, the most important part of his world was by far his family. Spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren is what gave him the most joy. He was a simple man who didn’t ask for much, only to spend time with his family making memories, together.
Anthony is survived by his four children, Diane Quartel, Anthony Bracco, Jr. and his wife, Cindy, Stephen Bracco and his wife, Michele, and Joanne Luster and her husband, Ernie; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Angelina Levya; many, nieces, nephews, and extended family; and many dear friends.
Friends and family are invited to gather together to celebrate Tony’s life on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., at Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
A Life Celebration service will follow the gathering at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and all are invited to bring heartfelt memories to share. If you are unable to attend but would like something read on your behalf, please click HERE to generate an email to the funeral home.
Interment will be private.
You are encouraged to visit Tony’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.
Memorial contributions in his honor and memory may be made to the Amwell Valley Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 76, Ringoes, NJ 08551, or online by clicking HERE or to Hunterdon Hospice, via mail at 215 NJ -31, Flemington, NJ 08822 or online by clicking HERE.
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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”
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