Obituary of Harry Gibbons Brace

Harry Gibbons Brace of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Wednesday, January 24, 2024. He was 81.
 

Son of the late Gibbons O. and Millicent V. (Peterkin) Brace, he was born on January 30, 1942 in Manhattan. He married his soul mate and love of his life, Denise J. Hartnett, on April 6, 1968 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beacon; Mrs. Brace survives at home.
 

Harry worked as a land surveyor for many years, spending 38 years of his career with Local 15D IUOE based in New York City. After retirement, he worked as a custodian for 10 years for the Arlington Central School District. In his spare time, he enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, golf and especially fishing; he was a longtime member of Rap-Shaw Fishing Club, Williams Island in Lowville, NY. Harry was a devout Rangers, Yankees and Giants fan. He also enjoyed coloring books and puzzles.
 

In addition to his wife, Denise, he is survived by his children, Dawn Watkins and her husband, Leon of Suffolk, VA, and Christopher Brace and his wife, Tara of Wappingers Falls; sister, Carol Devine of Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Nicole, Alexis, Megan, Matthew and Joshua; and great-granddaughter, Amora.
 

Harry truly exhibited this quote to his family: “A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.”
 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his faithful companion, his dog, Jessie.
 

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital for their support and compassion during this difficult time.
 

Family will receive their friends on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
 

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 11 a.m.; Harry’s son-in-law, Leon Watkins, will preside. Entombment will follow in Fishkill Rural Community Mausoleum, Route 9 in Fishkill.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Harry’s name to Dutchess County SPCA, www.dcspca.org or Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.