Father Theodore Bracco, OFM, died peacefully at the age of 79 on Tuesday evening, August 8, 2017, at 8:30pm at Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois, after battling a number of infections over the past three months.

Father Ted was born on April 16, 1938, in Springfield, Illinois, a son of Cajetan Thomas and Mary (Laurenzana) Bracco. His Baptismal name was George. On June 21, 1958, he entered the Order of Friars Minor (O.F.M.) and receive his religious name of Theodore. He was ordained to the Franciscan priesthood at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Teutopolis, Illinois, on January 9, 1966.

Father Ted taught theology to generations of students for 46 years, beginning at St. Joseph High School Seminary in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 1966. In 1968, he began teaching at St. Elizabeth Academy in St. Louis. After receiving his doctorate in Historical Theology from St. Louis University, he moved to Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, where he taught for six years. In 1996, he was transferred to Effingham, Illinois, not only to teach at St. Anthony High School but also to be the director of adult continuing education for the Effingham Deanery. At the age of 74 he retired and moved to Holy Cross Friary in Quincy.

Besides his passion for teaching, he also enjoyed being a Ham Radio operator and collecting stamps.

Father Ted was a brother, friend, confident, mentor, teacher and friar priest for countless people.

He is survived by three siblings: Jesuit Brother Thomas of Santa Clara, California, Anthony of Sherman, Illinois, and Margaret Leckrone of Springfield, Illinois, plus many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John, Francis and Joseph; and two sisters, Theresa Shures and Mary Michelina Mounce.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, August 14, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the Quincy University Chapel, Quincy, Illinois Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. The Visitation for Fr. Ted, OFM, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on Monday in the Quincy University Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province or Holy Cross Friary.
The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.