Thomas C Bracken was born in Tullamore, Co Offaly, in May of 1932, the year of the first Eucharistic Congress and the same year as the first peaceful change of government in the newly established Irish Free State.
He was born into a family with a keen interest in politics which influenced his life and stories.
He left school and began to work at 14, a family-focused man whose wages went to help support his siblings.
He met Nancy Dunne from the Heath in 1956 and they married in 1958. They first lived in Tullamore before they moved to the Block Road in Portlaoise in 1972.
It was here in 1974 where he built and opened his own shop called TC Brackens.
In 1976 he added a forecourt to the business. This business was a cornerstone of the local community and his time running it solidified him as a well known and respected businessman and local figure.
Tom and Nancy retired in 1997 and spent many years travelling the world visiting places such as Vanuatu in the South Pacific, the USA, Canada, Cuba, Brazil, New Zealand and Australia among many others.
A man who loved his conversation and stories he would always seek out the local storytellers and icons in order to better understand the history and the culture of the area he was visiting.
His times travelling with Nancy became the stories he used to entertain his grandchildren. He was a father to nine children and a much loved Grandad to 23 grandchildren and Great Grandad to eight great grandchildren, all of whom will miss his wit, stories, laughter and generosity of spirit immensely.
He is sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Nancy, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.
If you would like to advertise a job vacancy, get in touch with LaoisToday by calling 057 8670722, 085 7180700 or emailing info@laoistoday.ie
SEE ALSO – Check out the dedicated jobs section on LaoisToday
