Ballston Spa, NY – Michael F. Braccia, 75, of Arnold Road, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Saratoga Hospital.

Born on December 9, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, he graduated Manual High School in 1959. In 1960, he enlisted in the United States National Guard, where he trained in Fort Bliss, TX and served the following seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves.  On February 28, 1965 he married his childhood sweetheart, Louise Gregory.  Known for his quick sense of humor, "Big Mike", as he was affectionately known, worked for the New York City Sanitation Department for 22 years.  After retiring, he fulfilled a dream to attend college and enrolled in St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY where he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.

He was a lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers fan who rejoiced in their World Series victory over the New York Yankees in 1955. Once the Dodgers relocated to Los Angeles, a broken heart led him to become a New York Yankees fan.

He is predeceased by his wife Louise, his parents Rita (DeMeo) and Antonio Braccia, sisters Concetta Braccia and Rosemarie Braccia, and his brothers Tony and Nicholas Braccia.

Survivors include his children: Jeannine Hanna of Bloomfield New Jersey, Anthony Braccia of New York, New York, Lynore DiMenna (Todd) of Wilton, NY and Michael J Braccia of Staten Island; sister Josephine DeSanno (Domenick) of Lake George, NY; eight grandchildren, Marc and Megan, Todd, Victoria and Julia and Michael, Amanda and Gianna.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4pm & 7 to 9pm Wednesday (February 1, 2017) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway 518-584-5373.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am, Thursday (February 2, 2017) in St. Mary's Church, (167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa). Burial will be private.

Donations may be made in "Big Mike's" memory  to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.