On Sunday, May 10, 2020 Dean Hundley Bracey loving supporting husband, father and son was awakened to eternal life. Dean was born on May 24, 1962 in New Haven, CT to George S. and Jacqueline Hundley Bracey. On September 16, 1989 he married Dawn White-Bracey and together they raised two sons Dominique George and Donovan Dean.
Dean was a genuine caring man with a great sense of humor, who loved to get to know people and could fit in with any crowd. He had a special love for young people and was employed at the Dixwell Community House as a Group Worker and then at the Children Center of Hamden where he worked as a Direct Child Care Worker for 32 years. His favorite saying was “I have patience for kids, but none for adults who do not understand and love kids.”
He had a deep appreciation for nature and would brag about how he was the only grandchild of the nine grands who shared his grandmother’s passion for Tropical fish. His personal 50-gallon tank included Oscars and his favorite TV show was Animal Planet. Dean was known for his baseball and basketball skills, especially his foul and three-point shot. Dean became a member of the Lefties a pool team currently named Right Stuff where he continued the “competitive” spirit he had throughout his life. One of his favorite past times was detailing cars, while greeting his neighbors and passer “bys”. He enjoyed going to Mohegan Sun Casino and celebrating his “almost wins”. He was a lover of all music, especially groups like the Whispers, Dru Hill and Blackstreet, just to name a few.
Dean lived a wonderful and happy life, let us continue his legacy of cherishing relationships especially the bond with his immediate cousins and extended family.
Dean was preceded in death by his father, George S. Bracey. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 30 years Dawn White Bracey; two sons, Dominique and Donovan; his mother, Jacqueline Hundley Bracey; a brother, Kent Bracey (Terri); nephew, Kendrick Bracey; a niece, Kaylin Bracey; brother in-law, George Epps (Jeanette); two nieces, Isabella and Julianna Epps; godparents, Charles and Jacqueline Grady; cousins; relatives and friends.
A Graveside service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Ave., New Haven.
My most sincere and deepest condolences to Dawn, Dominique, Donovan, and Georg (G) and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Nate Hurse and family.
May God, who sees your grieving heart and hears each tender prayer, be ever near to give you peace and keep you in His care. With caring sympathy in the loss of your Loved One. Our prayers are with Mother Jackie, Loving Wife Dawn and the entire Bracey Family. Barbara McKinnie-Holden & Family.
Dawn, I’m praying that Jesus will be your comforter. Dean was such a wonderful person and will be missed.
Dawn I was truly sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Dean. I know life for you and the Family at this time is difficult but hold on there’s help. Your help at this time will come from the only Man that matters and his shepherds He has put in your Life will be there to aide you during this most difficult time… I know you’re quite overwhelmed so I’ll reach out at a later time, hold on to His hand He won’t leave you alone.. May God Bless You and the Family..??????
5/17/2020
Good Morning George and Jackie Bracey:
May the Lord Comfort you and give you Strength at this time. Dean will truly be Missed. Love You always your Friend.
Roland N. Jones III
Rest your soul, Dean. Enjoy God’s peace in that heavenly place. My sincerest condolences to the Hundley Bracey family, friends and relations. God is….Love,
Joey
Dear Dawn:
I am so sorry that you have lost your wonderful husband, the love of your life!
Dean was such a kind and respectful young man who loved you so very much!
Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
May God bless you daughter, at this very sad time.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Love,
Miss Lona
Dear Dawn:
My deepest condolences to you.
Dean was such a true gentleman.
I will never forget his kind and mild spirit.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Irma Russ
Prayers and condolences to Dean’s mom, wife, children and extended family. I met him as a youngster growing up at the Dixwell Q House. He as well a nucleus of staff made sure that we were looked after. He was a kind and genuinely caring individual. Heaven gained an ?
Will Always Love You Cousin Dean!!! #RIP
Rest In Peace Dean. I always remember the
times we sheared on the courts, in brook side and in Newhallville.
Working with Mr. Dean was just a great learning experience and Fun. One of the realist honest Consistent Men i met here. He often would tell me COURTNEY save some money and if he ever win big he will come and bless everyone at the Children Center. I will miss calling him Deno and his cool vibe. Dean may not be able to Bless us with money Now but he has blessed all of us at the Children Center with friendship and wisdom and that is so much more precious. RIP Dean yo u will be missed.
Courtney Wright
I love you my DeanO, with all my heart, you were the finest person I have ever known. The ultimate blessing was that I was able to be your wife, have your children and just have you in my life. May you rest in Heavenly peace.
May God comfort you and show his Mercy upon you as you celebrate the life of Dean. The Bible tells us that he is Present with the Lord and I pray that you find comfort in knowing this. I will continue to pray for you. Regina Mullings
My condolences to the Bracey Family on the loss of a great individual. Sending you healing energy and peace during this challenging transition. Just wanted to share that I met Dean playing pool in the APA in CT at Towne Billiards and Yale Billiarfs. He was very a competitive, funny and a genuinely nice person I considered to be my friend. You will be missed but I will always cherish the times we spent playing pool together.
Greg Mouning
I miss you Uncle Dean and I wish you were here and that you could have stayed here a little bit longer. I love you Uncle Dean. From Your Neice Isabella
WOW!A huge Loss to all that knew Dean!
Dean ,Kent and I, of course along with Kent Emery, Glenn Mullings, Brian Jenkins(my Brother) Perry and Danu Smith ,Brett Perry ,Roy and Charles Tyson, Pookie Emery, Timmy Eldridge,Glenn Lindsey, Michael Ellis and the entire “Out the Way Family” literary had a barrel of laughs growing up with Mr.Clean-Cut. Dean, couldn’t jump the brook, especially at the Cliff(which was a birth right for all of us from “OUT THE WAY”,not because he couldn’t, but because he wouldn’t even risk getting wet and dirty!
Literally, never had a negative word for anyone, ever!
Kent you and Ma Bracy, have all of our deepest Sympathy as You grieve the loss of your Brother and our life long Friend.May our Lord continue to hold and keep all of you during this time of bereavement.
Dawn ,Dominique and Donovan, my sincere condolences. Dean was such a great man .Praying for all of you. My condolences to Mrs Bracey too.
Terri and I are still saddened by Dean’s passing. Terri and Dean shared the same birthday and shared a bond because of it. I remember Dean from Elizabeth st as youngsters. Dean could ball talk trash and have us laughing all at the same time. He will be missed. Peace to the family.
My condolences and deepest prayers to the Bracey family. May you remember the good times.
Jackie, Dawn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences. May you find strength in this difficult time. Dean was a wonderful man. He will be missed. May his soul rest in peace.?
Dawn, Rhonda were sadden to hear of Dean’s passing. I would always enjoy a good laugh when ever I would see dean and l will miss that.
I hope your memories of him will help you through this difficult time.
Dawn, May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
TO THE HUNDLEY, AND BRACEY FAMILY, IT IS WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR BELOVED DEAN. MAY OUR GOD WHO
PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE US BE WITH EACH
OF YOU. MY PRAYER’S ARE WITH YOU ALL.
WISHING YOU GOD’S PEACE.
Dean, you left us way too soon. You’ll always be remembered. I have always and will always love you. RIP. When ever I think of you I smile. In your own words:
SHUT UP!
A few Sunday’s ago was Mother’s Day. It was to be an extra special day because it was my “best thing” my daughter Shayla Alayre Caldwell’s 1st Mother’s Day. Instead I woke to the news that my cousin/brother Dean Bracey had passed. I feel like I’m in a dream and at any minute I’ll wake up and Dean will be home with his wife Dawn and sons Dom and Donovan. …or at work. …maybe he’s at Aunt Jackie’s house checking in on her before going downstairs to the basement to talk and laugh with Kent. …maybe with Mink, Donald or calling Stacey on the phone to encourage him as fights one of the hardest battles of his life! That’s how Dean and Stacey grew up…like different sides of the same coin. It was hurting me to say my cousin’s name and the word “was”. Then GOD said Dean “was” love and honesty and protective and genuine and a believer, a great husband and father. He “was” loyal and truthful and DEAN “WAS” OURS for a short time! The bible says “Lean not to your own understanding, but to trust in THE LORD” HE will see us through!!! That’s what I’m doing! Pray for our family as we pray for each other! For me DEAN IS!!!
Our deepest condolences, my Dawny (I call you) childhood friend/sister over 40 years. I had the pleasure of meeting Dean in elementary pleasant and respectful young man. I am lost for words but this I do know that your love for him and his love for you was unconditional. My prayer is that God dispatch his loving angels that they protect and strengthen you during this difficult time. We love you Dean but God loved you BEST! You will truly be missed, Rest In Jesus! ??
Condolences to Mrs Jackie Bracey & Family. So sorry for the loss of your wonderful loving son, husband, father and brother.
May you find comfort in the love and memories you all shared over a lifetime… Our prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Sydney & Dawn Simpkins
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away bless be the name of the Lord. Words can’t really express what’s in my heart. The nine of us grandchildren of Clearance and Ethel Hundley were raised more like brothers and sisters then cousins. We have a special and unique bond as a family. We are so close knit. When one hurts we all hurt. When one laughs we all laugh. We function basically as one unit one body. With the transition of Dean it feels like a part of the body is missing. We will miss that part of us but hold the memories close to our hearts. I know we will meet again in Heaven where there is nothing but pure happiness. For now my dear cousin/brother rest in the sweet arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy to the Bracey family. Mr. Dean was a great mentor to the youth and staff at TCCOH. He will be greatly missed. To the Bracey & Hundley family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Dawn, Ma Bracy, Kent, Dominique, Donovan and the entire Bracy, Hundley, White families. I ache – and I know right now there are no words that can be said that will ease all of your heartache. Man does not have a vocabulary for that. The sudden loss of a husband, son, father, brother, cousin, friend: Hits us all hard. During this grieving time, lean on your faith. God will guide you through. HE never fails! The pain of Dean’s physical loss will slowly turn into joyful memories and you will laugh as your memories turn to all the things that made him so special to us all.
I have known Dean since we were about ten years old. As we grew to our teen years, we started shooting hoop, hanging out and listening to music together. We became close friends. I got to know Kent as well. Kent was a couple years older than I and he became very tight with my older brother Stanley. The four of us got along famously and it was nice to have two sets of bruthas hanging out together with a such a solid bound. Standing in peace and love. Protective of one another. We spent endless hours at Ma and Pa Bracy’s house. Kent and Stanley, more into the music. Dean and I more into the sports. I got to know Stacy, Stevie, Stephanie, Bernard, Shari, Marie, Uncle Augie, Uncle Ed, DeLon, Dimi, Cousin Ricky and too many other relatives to namecheck here along the way. Ma and Pa Bracy always made the home a very inviting atmosphere. Numerous cookouts. Legendary Super Bowl parties. I believe that helped developed Dean’s compassion, love for humanity, especially children, and sense of humor. We would be hanging out and something silly would happen would and he would say, (Dean laughingly: “Mike, Mike. You heard what I told him? You heard me? You hear me?! You heard me? Right!” More laughter). I am going to miss those days.
Dean was my godbrother the Bracy’s are my extended family, but so much more than that. Years ago, after high school, we were in our late teens, Dean found out I was in a compromised situation and immediately invited me over to the house. I was in dire straits. Kent was home when we arrived. Dean and Kent said, “First, we’re going to feed you and then we’re going to talk and figure this out. We ate. I told them what was up. Dean and Kent said, “Oh man. This is bad. We’re going to talk to our parents when they get home. Chill here ’til then.” Ma and P came home. Dean and Kent spoke with them privately and then they came to me as a family. Dean and Kent wanted me to live with them. Ma and Pa Bracy agreed. I lived with the Bracy’s for 6+ months and I believe Dean’s compassion, loving heart and loyalty changed the trajectory of my life. Now, THAT’S A FRIEND!!. “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV). A Christian hearted man. Years later Dean would be the ‘Best Man’ in my wedding. So, if anyone is wondering what kind of man Dean was, there it is right there. He was a proud man. I kind man. I good son, A good husband. A good father. A good brother. A good friend. He will be missed.
So, to Dawn, Ma Bracy, the kids, Kent, the rest of the family and friends, again, my condolences. A bright light has been extinguished in this physical world. But a burning ember is beginning to grow and shine up in the Throne Room. He will be reunited with his father Pa Bracy, his Aunts, his mother-in-law Mrs White and I know Dean will say hi to my father, my little sister Tanya and Mrs. Stevenson too. Dean will meet the Almighty Master. Dean will tell jokes, shoot hoops and if GOD has a car…. he’ll detail it too. Rest in Triumph, Brother Dean.
Love You Forever, Michael Melvin, Sr.
This is so very hard…My Cousin, Dean Bracey, passed away suddenly, on Sunday. Our family is so close knit that we were not just cousins, but we were raised like brothers and sisters. It’s always been the Caldwells, Braceys, and Fortes…ALWAYS! I don’t even know how to feel. I know that God will comfort us and keep us during this time, but right now I can’t shake this sadness and pain. God’s got a good one! Please pray for his wife, Dawn White-Bracey and their children, Dominique and Donovan. Please also keep his mother, Jacqueline Bracey, and brother Kent Bracey in your prayers. Please keep our entire family in your prayers. This one is rough!! I love you family. I love you forever, Dean! You will always be in our hearts. ????
My condolences to the Bracey family. My condolences to Demi and Allyson, Uncle Travis and Auntie and the rest of the families.
Rebecca (becky) and Matthew
My condolences to the Bracey family. I’ve enjoyed playing pool with Dean for years and will miss this truly nice guy.
To the Bracey family,
May you find peace during this difficult time
Hold tight to your memories
You are in my prayers
My Sincere condolences to the Bracey family. May the Lord’s peace be upon you as you go through this trying time. Dean was one the funniest but not foolish…all the way back to Hamden Fathers Basketball League.. Seems surreal.. especially when it’s someone from your time. I’ll miss him and will continue to hi-jack his “famous lines”. RIP from the “old skool”
Chuck G.
Years ago, Agnes and I saw him nearly every day In our jobs at the Dixwell Q House. We are first cousins, so there was the occasional meeting since at a family gathering. What struck us was that Dean was always Dean. Why should he have changed? Serious and mature beyond his years. Humorous without being silly. And he noticed things that others seemed not to. We noticed him. And if he caught you, he would give some quick gesture about what he was seeing or hearing. Usually a smile or a shrug – none of them the same as the one before. Never saw him angry or annoyed – occasionally saw him impatient. Always self-assured, as if George and Jackie’s kid would be anything else. Circumstance usually places us amongst those whom we simply do not measure. Dean always brought his own ruler by which to measure him. He was a lot to carry home with you. And so he does not now travel home lightly from us.
Dawn, I want to give my deepest
condolences. May God’s comforter
give you peace until you & Dean meet
again. The love of your life! Keep your
head up! GOD BLESS!??????
With Love, Judy Youins
Dawn my condolences to you and the boys my heart is also heavy because Dean was my little brother words cannot express how I’m feeling right now. I love you guys me and my brother Rest In Peace. Mrs Bracey you are my rock you help guide me and that’s how me Dean became friends I love you may he rest in peace continue prayers for you all. Skully
Jackie,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
My son, Bill, who lives in Chicago, went to grammar school with Dean, and sent me the wonderful tribute to Dean. We were so sorry to learn of his death. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Cary Jacobs
Dawn, my sincere condolences to you and the family. May God comfort you and know that prayers for you and much love is sent from mommy, Mother Barbara Holden. We love you!
Even as I read the Obituary and see his picture, I still cannot believe it. I have been fortunate enough to hear the laughter, and witness the Love this ENTIRE family has for each other, especially the cousins. Such a close knit, warm and loving family, I cannot image the sorrow you are all feeling from this unexpected loss . I am sending my most heartfelt and sincere condolences to Dawn, Aunt Jackie and the entire Bracey and White families. God Bless you all.
To the Bracey Family, this is a tough pill to swallow in regards to a wonderful person being taken to soon. The memories of Dean are very strong and the laughter growing up in Newhallville are on my mind. From my family to yours, our deepest condolences.
Clifton Greene
To the Bracey family:
I’m truly sorry for your loss. My condolences and prayers to your family. I will say that I’m so glad to have known Dean. He was the definition of a true friend. If you messed up, he would definitely let you know and then he’d help you get it right. He is definitely going to be missed. God gained an Angel. R.I.Paradise Dean, you May be gone, but will never be forgotten
To the Matriarch of this Family Aunt Jackie thank you thank you for taking care of all.of us. Thank you for showing us love and strength and what a close knit family is suppose to look like. To my cousin Dawn thank you for loving Dean. Thank you for being his soulmate. You made his time here on earth special bc he spent it with the love of his life. To his coworkers know that he loved that job please take some of his love for those kids and pass it on. To all his friends especially Donald Baker and Mink thank you for always having my cousins back. To my cousin Stacey you and Dean were always the dynamic duo please keep fighting. To us the rest of the 9 grandchildren Stevie Kent Shari Stacey Stefanie myself Cherie and Tony. We are so blessed to be born in this family. We are so blessed to be so close to each other. There will always be 9 of us. I love you. To our kids the great grands continue to stay close continue to be there for one another. To Dean the 4th grandchild I just want to say thank you. Thank you for protecting me and my friends even though you went overboard sometime. Everybody thought Stacey was the enforcer. Thank you for being my cousin. Thank you for always making us laugh You will never be forgotten you will always be in our hearts Love your cousin Marie
May God bless your family during this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Edward, Rena Mack and Family.
To the Bracey Family,
It is with heart felt sympathy and sadness to read of the passing of your Dear Dean. I was a co-worker of Dean’s for ten years at TCC while employed there as a special educator.
He was caring, kind and a gentleman, who was a supportive colleague and friend. He always had a smile, along with a wonderful sense of humor. Dean was well respected, love and appreciated by all.
May the fond and loving memories you have of him give you strength, comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead.
Sincerely,
Ms. Rosemary (Schaeffer)
Cheshire, CT
Dawn, Dominique, and Donovan:
Our heartfelt condolences to you over Dean’s passing, who was an ideal loving partner to you, an exceptional loving father to Dominique, and Donovan. Words fail us to adequately covey our regrets that Dean is gone to soon. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Pat, Robbie (Robinson), and Jonathan Ewing
To The entire Bracey Family, May God continue to strengthen you each new day. Our prayers and love are with you.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted
Barbara Duncan and Family
Dawn,
Offering my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. May God provide your family with Peace by way of great memories and the strength to endure this difficult time. If I can help in any way, please reach out.
Gone to soon , my deepest condolences to Dawn and family, we all have an appointed time , rip Dean
Dear Mother Jacqueline H. Bracey and Wife Dawn-White Bracey,
I strongly feel that I should have been at the funeral services for Dean H. Bracey. However, the services were already held when I learned that Dean had suddenly passed and was funeralized. I am so sorry. My sincere condolences and sympathy are belatedly extended to both of you and your entire close knit family. May our God of all comfort abide with you-all. I am planting trees in memory of your beloved Dean H. Bracey who cared about people and the environment. Sincerely, Dr. Ann Garrett Robinson