Joseph S. Brackin

Joseph S. Brackin

Joseph “Joe” Snowden Brackin was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.  Joe was born in December 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland.  He passed on June 19, 2022, at his home in Lower Gwynedd, PA, surrounded by his family. 

Joe was a 1962 graduate of Abington High School.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College in 1966.  He played soccer, kicked for the football team, and threw the javelin at Ursinus, earning All-Middle Atlantic Conference in soccer. Joe eventually completed his graduate studies at Lehigh University.  He worked for 5 years as an elementary teacher and counselor and an additional 35 as a school psychologist in Abington School District.  He was the ultimate professional educator, always stiving to give back to the community that raised him and was honored to have mentored PhD candidates from the University of Pennsylvania.

Joe was passionate about collecting 18^th and 19^th century antiques and art and was an expert in Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Windsor chairs. Growing up in the Edge Hill Castle, in Glenside, inspired him to collect American art.  Joe spent his summers on Swan’s Island, Maine with his family and his dogs surrounded by balsam pine and cool ocean breezes.  Joe loved Philadelphia sports, but nothing truly compared to his grandkids sporting events where he was the ultimate fan.  His patience, humor, smile, and innate listening skills provided him many lifelong friends who he valued and cherished.    

Joe was preceded in death by his parents John T. and Mary S. Brackin, and his brother John T (Ann)  Brackin.  Joe is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Judith “Judy” (DeMann), their daughters Kerry (Bud) Weisser and Taryn (Richie) Barrett; and 5 grandchildren Brett, Brayden, Meredith, Keeley, and Caroline.  He is also survived by his brothers Phillip (Bonnie) Brackin and George (Barbie) Brackin and many nieces and nephews.   

Memorial services will take place at Gwynedd Friends Meeting on June 29^th, 2022, at 2pm.  Donations can be sent to the Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse https://www.burntcoatharborlight.com/donate/