William Frederick "Bill" Kracke of Gales Ferry passed away at the age of 77 on August 1, 2024, at Masonicare in Mystic, CT. He was born on August 18, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NROTC), Bill dedicated 25 years to the U.S. Navy, serving nine years of active duty before transitioning to the Naval Reserve and retiring as Captain. Post-military, he worked at Analysis & Technology from 1979 to 1993 and concluded his career at Pfizer, retiring in 2014.
Bill was a devoted parishioner of St. Luke Lutheran Church, serving in many leadership roles and on several committees. He was actively involved in his community as a dedicated volunteer for End Hunger New England, where he helped organize events that packed over 300,000 meals for CT families. His commitment to service was a testament to his devoted personality as a husband, father, and friend. He loved sailing, "tinkering" in his workshop and office, and spending time with friends and family.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Carolyn Kracke; son William W. (Jean) Kracke; daughter Amy K. (Rick) Prior; and five grandchildren: Will and Avery Kracke; Cody (Roma), Jesse (Taylor), and Dylan (Clarisa) Prior. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Anne D. Kracke, and his brother, John Jeffery Kracke.
A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11:00 AM on September 28, 2024, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1830 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church at stlukegf.org/giving or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org. Bill's legacy of service and love remains a beacon of inspiration to all who knew him.