Frederick J. Brach

Boonville-Frederick J. Brach, 83, a life long resident of the Old West Leyden Rd., a retired dairy farmer and school bus driver, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital, New Hartford, after a long illness. Fred was born near Boonville on March 21, 1925, a son of Jacob and Sophie Godek Brach. He grew up on the Brach homestead farm, and graduated from Boonville High School with the Class of 1943. In September, 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines serving in the South Pacific Theater of WWII, until his honorable discharge on July 27, 1946. While serving in the Marines, his division said that he was "the toughest little Marine around." After his service in WWII, Fred was employed by Fred Scherz Logging Co., Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co., Utica, and General Cable Co., Rome. On January 19, 1952, Mr. Brach was united in marriage with C. Ardell Longway at St. Mary's Church, Constableville. In 1955, the couple purchased the former Michael Anna Farm on the Old West Leyden Road, near Boonville. The couple operated this farm for many years. Mrs. Brach died on March 15, 2005. While farming, he was employed for Adirondack Central School as a school bus driver from 1960 until his retirement in 2001, after forty two years of service. His bus driving career brought him much pleasure and fond memories. He enjoyed being with the children as he had so much fun with them. The children always said to him, "hey Fred, my mom used to ride the bus with you!!" When he retired his co-workers threw him a big surprise retirement party. He always said that the children that he transported to and from school and his co-workers at the bus garage were like family to him. Fred was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Tun Tavern Leather Neck Marine Corps League, the Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and the Charles J. Love Post American Legion, all of Boonville. He is survived by three sons; Allan R. Brach, Gary L. Brach, James F. Brach, and his wife, Mary Ann, two daughters; Barbara J. Brach, and Kelly A. Brach, all of Boonville, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren, and one sister and brother in law; Florence and Stanley Witek, Rome. He was predeceased by two brothers; Augustine J. Brach, of Boonville, in 1984, and Robert Brach who was killed in WWII in Germany in 1944, while serving in the armed forces. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10 A.M. at St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, where Rev. Fr. Donald H. Karlen will be the celebrant. Interment with military rites from the Tun Tavern Leather Neck Marine Corps League, Charles J. Love Post American Legion, and Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Boonville. In keeping with his wishes there will be no visitation hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tun Tavern Leather Neck Marine Corps League, Boonville, NY 13309, or to Boonville Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309. His Funeral arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. NY.